Bon Secours St. Francis Health System has performed its first endoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (EUS-RFA), a new minimally invasive procedure aimed at helping patients suffering with pancreatic cancer.
“I’m immensely proud to be part of the team that is introducing this unique technology to the Carolinas,” said Dr. Veeral Oza, medical director of Bon Secours Gastroenterology. “Hope is everything, and this procedure provides a new option as well as new hope to patients who are suffering from this deadly disease.”
Compared to other cancers, pancreatic cancer is relatively rare, with an incidence rate of just 3 percent. However, it’s currently the fourth-leading cause of cancer death and is projected to soon become the second-most common cause of cancer death. For now, routine screenings are not recommended in everyone for pancreatic cancer, meaning the diagnosis often comes in the cancer’s later stages. Additionally, the pancreas is located in an important part of the body, surrounded by several blood vessels, which can make surgery tricky.
“A majority of pancreatic cancers are unfortunately not removable at the time of diagnosis. In addition, surgery of pancreatic lesions can be associated with high morbidity and mortality,” Dr. Oza explained. “Endoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive option that is safe and may help some patients. It’s our hope that it will lead to better overall outcomes for our patients.”
During an EUS-RFA procedure, a thin, flexible tube with a small camera and ultrasound probe is inserted into the digestive tract. A generator is then used to deliver heating energy to the tumor directly through the probe. This is used to erode the cancerous tissue while minimizing damage to the surrounding tissue.
Bon Secours is the first health system in the tri-state area (which includes North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia) to provide ablation treatment for pancreatic cancer and small neuroendocrine tumors. To learn more, call Bon Secours Gastroenterology at 864-335-7555 or visit bonsecours.com.
“I’m immensely proud to be part of the team that is introducing this unique technology to the Carolinas,” said Dr. Veeral Oza, medical director of Bon Secours Gastroenterology. “Hope is everything, and this procedure provides a new option as well as new hope to patients who are suffering from this deadly disease.”
Compared to other cancers, pancreatic cancer is relatively rare, with an incidence rate of just 3 percent. However, it’s currently the fourth-leading cause of cancer death and is projected to soon become the second-most common cause of cancer death. For now, routine screenings are not recommended in everyone for pancreatic cancer, meaning the diagnosis often comes in the cancer’s later stages. Additionally, the pancreas is located in an important part of the body, surrounded by several blood vessels, which can make surgery tricky.
“A majority of pancreatic cancers are unfortunately not removable at the time of diagnosis. In addition, surgery of pancreatic lesions can be associated with high morbidity and mortality,” Dr. Oza explained. “Endoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive option that is safe and may help some patients. It’s our hope that it will lead to better overall outcomes for our patients.”
During an EUS-RFA procedure, a thin, flexible tube with a small camera and ultrasound probe is inserted into the digestive tract. A generator is then used to deliver heating energy to the tumor directly through the probe. This is used to erode the cancerous tissue while minimizing damage to the surrounding tissue.
Bon Secours is the first health system in the tri-state area (which includes North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia) to provide ablation treatment for pancreatic cancer and small neuroendocrine tumors. To learn more, call Bon Secours Gastroenterology at 864-335-7555 or visit bonsecours.com.