A NEW biopsy machine plans to increase the number of services available for diagnosing prostate cancer.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Riverina Day Surgery used the transperineal biopsy machine for the first time today.
Riverina Day Surgery's chief executive and nursing director Megan King said the service was long overdue and was now available for public and private patients.
"There is a growing number of patients for which TBM biopsies are essential and we will be working with local urologists and NSW Health to promote access to the service for all of our community," she said.
The Calvary Riverina Hospital has also been offering transperineal biopsies.
The Riverina Day Surgery purchased the machine using a $30,000 grant from the Male Bag Foundation.
The foundation's chairman Robert Glover said the money was raised with the support of the city during October's 2000 kilometre postie ride.
"Our team was overwhelmed by the support from local service clubs and prostate support groups, and especially Australia Post riders who joined us in Wagga," he said.
"We listened to many calls to focus on better health outcomes in the Riverina region and we have responded in the best and swiftest way possible."
Wagga's urological surgeon Steven Sowter said the service was very important for the region where a high instances of prostate cancer have been recorded.
He said the traditional method was a transrectal biopsy involving a probe in the back passage, but men face a small risk of sepsis.
"In a growing world of antibiotic resistance this is a big concern," he said.
"The machine allows a biopsy of the prostate while avoiding the back passage and it has a low incidence of infection.
"And in some cases it does allow some cancers to be better targeted than the transrectal biopsy."
In other news:
While you're with us, did you know that you can now receive updates straight to you inbox each day at 6am from the Daily Advertiser? To make sure you're up to date with all the Wagga news sign up here.