An NHS service is once again leading the way in patient care with the region’s first endoscopic stricture management training course for trainee surgical and medical doctors and gastroenterology consultants across the North-East.
The one-day GI stricture management course was held on the 8 November at the University Hospital of North Tees and was delivered through a combination of lectures, live cases and workshops.
A stricture is an abnormal narrowing found within the gastrointestinal tract and can be caused by benign disease or cancers. They can be challenging to treat through dilatation or stenting and require advanced endoscopic skills.
Consultant gastroenterologist, Dr Vikram Mitra, who helped to lead the day of training, said: “Working to constantly improve the skills of therapeutic endoscopists in our region is vital if we are to meet the ongoing need of our patients”.
“I’m pleased that our Trust is leading in providing training in this field. This course has been a brilliant platform for shared learning amongst trainees and consultants across the region.”
The day incorporated live stricture related procedures with patients. These procedures are usually carried out by gastroenterologists or surgeons under x-ray and require a high attention to detail, so being able to have dedicated training and practical experience is invaluable.
The endoscopic management of strictures is important to improve patient outcomes, and can even help them to avoid the need for major surgeries in certain situations.
Dr Mitra added: “A huge thank you to all the patients who volunteered to not only share their experiences, but who also agreed to be an active part of the course. They made a huge difference in learning by having live cases to discuss.”
The full-day training course was delivered and supported by professionals from across the region from County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, The Freeman Hospital of Newcastle NHS Foundation Trusts and endoscopy staff from within the University Hospital of North Tees.
Senior gastroenterologist Deepak Dwarakanath said: “It is brilliant to have been able to host the region’s first course of this type. To be leading the way in ensuring we are providing the very best possible care for our patients, with the most up to date training and learnings”.
“We were also joined and supported by an experienced faculty both locally and regionally who have all shared their valuable experience during the course.”