Fantastic news from our Endoscopy Team as they recently carried out the first endoscopic full thickness resection (EFTR) procedure at CHFT.

This is a minimally invasive endoscopic technique used to remove certain lesions from the bowel without the need for traditional surgery. In this case, it meant the patient was able to avoid an operation and benefit from a quicker recovery time.

The procedure was carried out by Dr Deepa Denesh, pictured left, and Dr Hassan Bholah, on the right, who is also an Optical Diagnosis Champion for Bowel Screening.

This is an important step forward as it expands the range of advanced endoscopic therapies we can offer locally, reducing the need for referral to tertiary centres and improving patient experience. It also reflects the ongoing development of the endoscopy service within the Trust.

Deepa said: “Being able to offer endoscopic full thickness resection at our Trust is a significant step forward for patient care. This technique allows us to treat selected lesions in a minimally invasive way, helping patients avoid surgery and recover more quickly. It’s a great example of how we are continuing to develop and modernise our endoscopy services for the benefit of our local population.”