Mount cancer survivor among first trained in do-it-yourself surgical procedure

Brian MacDonald (centre) with Fiona Hewerdine and head and neck surgeon Brandon Hitchcock. Photo supplied

A Mount Maunganui cancer survivor is among the first patients in New Zealand to be trained in a do-it-yourself medical procedure.

Brian MacDonald was diagnosed with neck cancer five years ago, leading to having his voice box removed and a six-week course of radiation therapy.

"I've never been a smoker, so finding out I had cancer and would need my voice box removed to stop it spreading, was a real shock.

"It was major surgery, a twelve-hour operation but it needed to be done," he said.

As was the case with many laryngectomy patients, he found it difficult to swallow post-surgery due to the tissue in his throat.

Every couple of months, he would have to stay overnight in hospital and go under general anaesthetic to have a doctor dilate his oesophagus to break up the tissue enough for food to pass through.

Until recently, this procedure was done by ear nose and throat (ENT) surgeons in theatre or by gastroenterologists.

Now some patients are being trained at Tauranga Hospital by speech and language therapists and the ENT team to do the procedure at home.

Bay of Plenty District Health Board speech and language therapy team leader Fiona Hewerdine said the training made snese for several reasons.

"The technique is used internationally and there's good evidence supporting it.

"It saves both patient and surgeons time.

"But, most importantly, it gives these patients a sense of empowerment and control as they can proactively manage their own health."

MacDonald was one of the patients who opted to try the procedure. Every couple of days he pushes a silicone tube down his throat, clearing the passage allowing him to swallow easily.

"Most people shudder at the thought of it. But I'm one of those people who will give things a go, it's in my nature."

The semi-retired painter-decorator has gone from having regular overnight stays in hospital to stopping in for annual check-ups.

"It's not the most comfortable procedure, but it's better than having a general anaesthetic every couple of months. And I feel more in control of my health."