Patients praise Wrexham Maelor team for performing first in Wales bladder procedure

Two patients have thanked staff at the Wrexham Maelor Hospital for performing the first in Wales bladder procedure.

The procedure uses a Trans Urethral Laser Ablation (TULA), an examination of the bladder using a camera on a thin flexible tube that uses a laser for bladder treatment.

Described as “quick and completely painless”, the procedure uses a cutting-edge laser to remove bladder tumours or suspicious areas.

84-year-old John James has had re-occurring growths on his bladder for over 15 years and has previously had them removed via a full surgical procedure under general anaesthetic, taking a whole day in the hospital and longer to recover.

He was one of the first to have them removed with the laser.

“I’ve had the old surgical procedure before at least four times in the last 15 years, and I would attend from 7am for full anaesthetic, and not be discharged until very late in the day,” said John.

“This new laser procedure was absolutely brilliant, I was very impressed, and I always have been, by the Urology Team in Wrexham Maelor Hospital. They are outstanding.

“I had a fair idea what would happen in the new procedure, but I was amazed how extremely efficient, very quick and completely painless it was.

“I was astonished really that it was so quick, I was probably only in for 12-15 minutes, and my recovery has been instant.

“What a remarkable development and innovation.”

The new laser, the size of a Smartphone, was funded via the North Wales NHS charity Awyr Las, and the Health Board’s Cancer Services.

Elizabeth Comer, 82, Wrexham, also has re-occurring growths on her bladder and has previously had them removed under local anaesthetic as she was too concerned to be put to sleep and was one of the first to be offered laser removal.

She described Professor Shergill and the team at the Wrexham Maelor as “marvellous.”

“Before when I’ve had them removed I could be in all day, but the laser procedure was so quick, easy and painless,” Elizabeth said.

“Professor Shergill explained to me about the new laser procedure, and I thought well I’ll try it, and it really was absolutely painless.”

Surgeon Professor Iqbal Shergill, Urology Clinical Lead at Wrexham Maelor Hospital, said: “TULA has been proven to be highly effective in treating early-stage bladder cancer, with minimal side effects, so no pain or discomfort, and a high success rate.

“You can have TULA under local anaesthesia in urology procedures and in most cases, you should be able to go home the same day following the procedure, and takes between 10 and 20 minutes to complete. T

“his means our patients will have one short procedure resulting in quicker treatment with a better chance of recovery with less time spent in hospital.

“Wrexham Maelor Hospital has started to offer this treatment and I believe it will be a valuable addition to the hospital’s cancer treatment options. The new laser surgery is the result of the service’s improvement programme, following the Get It Right First Time (GIRFT) national guidance.

“I’m happy our patients have had a positive experience with this new procedure and I’d also like to thank our lead nurse for TULA in Urology Kelly Price, Urology Nurse Practitioners, Mandy Giddins and Melody Matondo, who have helped and supported the department throughout, and our hospital management team.”

Caroline Williams, Health Board’s Cancer Network Manager, said: “Cancer Services are delighted to support the introduction of this innovative new treatment approach at Wrexham Maelor Hospital, especially as bladder cancer is the second commonest cancer in urology, and most patients will be followed up regularly for many years.”

Ian Donnelly, East Integrated Health Community Director of Operations, said: “One of the Get it Right First Time recommendations for improved service delivery in the Health Board was that the TULA service should be available. It’s great to see that have completed the first TULA service in Wales, this shows the dedication by the clinical and operational teams to improve quality and access for all our patients.”

Keri Lavelle, Surgery Site Specialty Manager, said: “I am very proud to be part of the Urology Service in the East. We continue to be forward thinking and work collaboratively to deliver innovation ensuring our patients of North Wales receive the best treatment possible, and as quickly as possible.”