A NEW approach to treating life-threatening conditions is allowing patients to return home the same day they undergo surgery in south Essex. 

In a first in the East of England, specialists at Basildon Hospital’s cardiothoracic centre have changed the way they carry out surgery on the abdominal aorta - the largest artery in a human’s body. 

Traditionally, patients having surgery on the major artery would require a week-long stay in hospital but a new method of carrying out the procedure is allowing them to return home the same day. 

The state-of-the-art procedure is carried out by making small punctures in the groin area before repairing and reinforcing the affected artery using fabric covered stents.  The traditional treatment, called open aortic surgery, involves a cut in the abdomen and a stay in intensive care.

(Image: NHS)

Gary Howe, 68, from Basildon, was the first to have the surgery using the method. 

Mr Howe said: “I was surprised at how quickly and painlessly everything was done.

“I recovered very well afterwards with no issues at all and am now enjoying my life as normal.

“Everyone in the team was excellent, and they couldn’t have done more for me. The follow-up with Dr Thapar was also excellent.

“All in all, I am absolutely delighted.”

The procedure helped two patients with swollen abdominal aorta, the body’s largest artery, and two others having blockages in the same vessel.

The team are working to make this new approach available to more patients meeting the criteria.

Dr Ankur Thapar, a consultant vascular surgeon, said: “This is a procedure we have been developing for some time and now helps patients get back to normal life on the same day and frees up resources for the NHS.

“It is a great example of how the new Mid and South Essex Vascular Unit at the Essex CTC can improve outcomes for patients with life threatening aortic problems.”

They were led by Dr Thapar, Dr Vijay Gadhvi, Dr Imran Syed, Dr Reda El-Bayoumy and Dr Jonty Robinson, vascular, radiology and anaesthetic specialists, and supported by Dr Shiva Dindyal, Marie Lloyd and Norman Salcedo.