Cape Town has taken a significant leap forward in medical innovation, as the Cape Town Interventional Radiology (CTIR), in collaboration with the University of Cape Town (UCT) Interventional Radiology and Groote Schuur Hospital, successfully performed Africa’s first microwave thyroid ablation procedure.
This historic accomplishment took place on Wednesday and was facilitated by the cutting-edge Terumo TATO microwave ablation platform.
The procedure, which aims to offer a minimally invasive alternative to conventional thyroid surgery, was conducted under the professional supervision of Dr Gibran Timothy Yusuf, a noted expert in the field visiting from the UK.
Microwave ablation is seen as a breakthrough technology for patients with benign thyroid nodules, allowing them to avoid the invasiveness of traditional surgery. The procedure not only preserves thyroid function but also facilitates a quicker recovery time, thereby enhancing the quality of life for patients.
‘This milestone is particularly meaningful because the service is being developed for state-sector patients at Groote Schuur Hospital, helping to expand access to advanced minimally invasive treatment,’ said CTIR in a statement.
The organisation further elaborated that this significant advancement is about more than just conducting the first procedure; it signifies a commitment to skills transfer and the cultivation of sustainable local expertise.
As South Africa embarks on this pioneering journey, CTIR envisions the establishment of a future Centre of Excellence and training platform specifically dedicated to thyroid ablation. The hope is to not only serve local communities but to extend this advanced treatment across the continent of Africa.
‘We are incredibly grateful to Dr Yusuf for sharing his expertise and to everyone at Groote Schuur Hospital, UCT and Cape Town Interventional Radiology who helped make this important step possible,’ CTIR expressed in their gratitude.
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