Victoria Hospital continues to strive in improving Ambulatory Care

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“We are leading the province in those goals,” she added. “And we are looking at our efficiency, so that we are doing the right thing, at the right place, in the right time.”

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Currently two gynecological procedures are being practised at Victoria Hospital that used to involve surgery, but can now be performed using minimal sedation in an out-patient setting. This allows the patient to go home that night.

Those procedures are Novasure, which is a unique radio frequency impedance technology that addresses heavy menstrual bleeding, and Essure; an outpatient tubal ligation procedure.

“The first one you avoid a hysterectomy and the second you avoid again an operation,” Long said.

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Something else coming soon to the health district and across Saskatchewan is Fecal Immunochemical Testing (FIT testing).

“The newest thing in colon screening to try and find out if you might be growing a polyp, which can lead to cancer,” Long said.

A polyp is an abnormal growth of tissue projecting from a mucous membrane.

“It’s Fecal Immunochemical Testing, so your stool sample is tested in lab and if it is indicated that you have appositive outcome than you are sent for a colonoscopy.”

“Everyone should be aware that they have the potential to have a polyp in their colon, so this is a way to stream line these patients,” she added. “But this is also easier for the patient, it’s one sample that they can take to their doctor, which is easier instead of getting a scope put in your colon.”

Premier Brad Wall stated the province would strengthen cancer care in Saskatchewan by instituting a colorectal screening program in the province.

Each year 1.6 million endoscopies are performed in Canada. The demand is exceeding the ability to perform procedure.

“The demand is growing,” Long said. “The age of patients, the boomers are all starting to have to think about colon screening. But colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death so we have to be aware of it.”

“At age 50 you should start thinking and talking to your doctor about what you should be thinking about for colon screening and of course practicing a healthy lifestyle,” she added.

Long said soon the cancer society will begin mailing FIT kits with instructions to individuals during their birthday months that will include instructions and everything you need to do. You than take the sample into to your local lab to be screened and that will determine whether you need a colonoscopy.

The recommended age for this test is between 50 and 74.

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