Patients being treated for bowel issues in Teesside are benefitting from the expertise of clinical teams from across the region – thanks to a new joined NHS service.
Health professionals from across University Hospitals Tees meet weekly to discuss treatment for patients found to have large, complex colorectal polyps.
Polyps are small growths on the lining of the oesophagus (food pipe), stomach, the large intestine (colon) or rectum.
The complex polyp team is a meeting of specialists including surgeons, nurses, radiologists and pathologists.
Consultant gastroenterologist and endoscopy clinical lead Iosif Beintaris, consultant gastroenterologist John Jacob and advanced endoscopy practitioner Clare Westwood are among the key members of the multi-disciplinary team, first set up in 2020 for patients across Stockton and Hartlepool.
Joined service set up
In 2024, this was then expanded to include clinicians from Middlesbrough and Northallerton to help patients in these areas.
Dr Beintaris said: “The team approach we have used is one of just a few nationally and has been very successful to date.
“Its purpose is to review patients with polyps and ensure that the right treatment is offered to the right patient, in a timely manner and a minimally invasive fashion.
“Endoscopic treatments are generally less traumatic than surgery, minimising a patient’s hospital stay and saving resources for cases where surgery is the only option, including cancer.”
“Delivering highest quality service”
Speaking about the partnership, Arvind Ramadas, clinical lead for endoscopy at South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The combined complex polyp group has been very successful in bringing together expert multi-professional teams, which ensures that each patient receives an evidence-based personalised treatment strategy.
“We look forward to establishing patient-centred clinical pathways to deliver the highest quality endoscopy service across University Hospitals Tees.”
In 2020 and 2021, the complex polyp team reviewed and managed 261 cases, the majority of which was treated with minimally invasive, organ-sparing endoscopic procedures.
In 2023, the number of cases referred and discussed to the service increased to 275 and this number has increased further since the collaboration with teams across University Hospitals Tees.
Dr Jacob added: “The team focus on managing patients holistically, rather than focusing solely on removing their polyps.
“Patients with complex polyps are seen in a dedicated clinic, where risks and benefits of available options are explained to the patients, assisting patients in making an informed decision.
“Apart from decision-making, the service offers a wide range of advanced endoscopic treatments.
“When appropriate, these procedures are performed with the support of anaesthetists, who deliver higher levels of sedation for patients.”
Leading the way in training and research
The team have contributed to national projects around identification and management of pre-cancerous and early cancerous polyps.
The team are engaged in training and upskilling operators regionally and nationally, holding annual training sessions from the endoscopy unit at the University Hospital of North Tees.
Clare Westwood, specialist nurse in the service, added: “Research is also a key part of the work we carry out.
“The team have published their work at national and international events including the British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) Week and the United European Gastroenterology Week (UEGW).
“This is our chance to share good practice and lessons learned to other clinical experts from further afield, all for the benefit of patient care.”