Nowra Private Hospital has unveiled new technology designed to improve surgical outcomes and recovery for people with breast cancer, with the introduction of the region’s first SCOUT Radar Localisation system.
The SCOUT system uses advanced radar technology designed to help surgeons precisely locate and remove breast tumours, designed to offer patients fewer surgeries, faster recovery and improved cosmetic results.
Endocrine Surgeon and Surgical Oncologist, Dr Steven Craig, said the new technology represents a significant step forward for local cancer care.
“This technology is revolutionising how we approach breast cancer surgery,” Dr Craig said.
“The SCOUT system was designed to provide surgeons with pinpoint accuracy to locate small and non-palpable tumours, reducing the amount of normal breast tissue removed during the procedure and facilitating a more personalised approach to breast-conserving surgery.”
The SCOUT system works by inserting a tiny reflector, which is about the size of a grain of rice, into the breast prior to surgery. During the procedure, a probe detects the reflector with millimetre accuracy, guiding the surgeon directly to the tumour.
Unlike traditional localisation, which requires a wire to be inserted on the day of surgery, the SCOUT system is wireless and can be implanted days or weeks in advance and is designed to improve comfort, reduce anxiety, and offer greater flexibility in planning surgery.
Nowra Private Hospital CEO, Simon McDermott, said the hospital is proud to be offering the latest in breast cancer treatment technology.
“Providing the Shoalhaven community with access to leading care close to home is at the heart of what we do,” Mr McDermott said.
“The SCOUT system is just one example of how we’re investing in innovative technology to improve our patients’ experience and outcomes.”
The SCOUT system has been used in more than half a million procedures worldwide and is increasingly considered best practice in modern breast cancer care.
