Local surgeon pioneers microsurgery procedure

A surgeon at Health Sciences North has performed the first microsurgery biopsy procedure of its kind in Canada.

On May 14, Dr. Antonio Caycedo performed trans-anal endoscopic microsurgery to remove a malignant polyp from a patient.

Caycedo’s procedure marked the first use in Canada of a type of medical instrument called GelPOINT Path Transanal Access Platform.

The microsurgery procedure, using different equipment, is only performed in two other locations in Ontario: Toronto and Ottawa.

Caycedo is a newly recruited surgeon, having arrived in Sudbury in August 2011. He offers a sub-specialty in colorectal surgery.

“This is the ultimate in patient care,” Caycedo said, in a press release. “To be able to offer this type of innovative biopsy surgery is one of the reasons I chose to come to Sudbury and practise at Health Sciences North. There is terrific potential to do even more innovative surgeries here.”

There is no incision made during the procedure. The polyp is removed through the rectum, and if it is not cancerous or the cancer hasn’t spread, there is no need for further surgery.

Because the procedure is minimally invasive, the patient’s recovery time is greatly reduced. The patient can be released from hospital in one to two days and resume a normal routine immediately.

Posted by Darren MacDonald