Four new ultrasound systems have been inaugurated by Minister for Health and Active Ageing Jo Etienne Abela at Mater Dei Hospital in the Medical Imaging Department, which will enable advanced treatment to be provided to patients.

These high-end scanners provide advanced resolution images for the evaluation of abdominal, pelvic, musculoskeletal, vascular, breast and soft tissue organs, as well as providing precise guidance for interventional procedures.

Minister Jo Etienne Abela explained how these ultrasound systems are equipped with advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, shearwave elastography for liver fibrosis examinations, and contrast-enhanced ultrasound, in order to improve examination efficiency, diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning.

He said that one of the scanners will be provided to the Department of Gastroenterology, thus also introducing a new specialised ultrasound service for the small intestine for the first time.

“Together with the ongoing training and recruitment of radiologists and radiographers, this investment will help to further reduce waiting lists for ultrasound examinations and enhance the level of services offered to the public,” concluded Dr Abela.

Dr Martina Schembri, Consultant Gastroenterologist, said that “thanks to one of those machines we will be starting to offer a Bowel Ultrasound service. This is done through ultrasound of the small intestine and large intestine where it will help to assist patients in monitoring bowel inflammation and also regarding treatments that the patient is receiving.”

Photo: DOI

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