Member Article

Pinhole surgery - the UK’s latest pioneering medical procedure

The word ‘surgery’ can be daunting for most of us, which is why doctors are continually trying to find new ways to evolve and adapt the process, so that the experience is as non-invasive and as comfortable as possible. ‘Pinhole’ surgery is the latest and greatest medical phenomenon available to patients across the UK…solving a multitude of health problems with just a simple pin-prick!

Pinhole surgery is one of the very latest techniques available, offering patients a simpler and safer option to open surgery, which is much less intrusive than other commonly used methods, including keyhole surgery (Laparoscopy).

In the past pinhole techniques have been used for interventional radiology, however, nowadays more and more surgeons are turning to pinhole surgery for open surgery, as it reduces pain, increases recovery and gets to the root of the problem. In the UK at present, there are only a limited number of medical professionals who are utilising pinhole techniques to treat their patients – two of these being within the venous and dental worlds.

Here to explain the benefits of using the technique within these areas of medicine in more detail are two of the UK’s leading specialists within these fields - internationally renowned venous expert Professor Mark Whiteley of The Whiteley Clinic and Dr Petros Ioannis Moschouris, Registered Specialist in Periodontics & Implant Dentist at Elleven Dental

PROFESSOR MARK WHITELEY - HAEMORRHOIDS & PILES

One of the most undesirable areas for varicose veins to occur in the human body is undoubtedly the interior or exterior of the anus – more commonly known as haemorrhoids or piles. Although many people do not make the association, approximately 50% of the UK population are estimated to suffer from haemorrhoids during their lifetime. For some people these veins do not cause any problems, but for others they can be painful and cause unwelcome bleeding. Thankfully, a brand new pinhole treatment is available for those who do suffer from this uncomfortable condition…

Professor Mark Whiteley comments: “At The Whiteley Clinic, we offer a revolutionary procedure called Hembolize™ which aims to offer those suffering with haemorrhoids a long-term solution to their problem by permanently destroying the affected rectal veins. The treatment is unique in that it completely avoids much of the embarrassment and discomfort often associated with haemorrhoids procedures, by attacking the problem via the neck.

The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic and guided by X-ray control. Initially, ultrasound is used to place a needle into the internal jugular vein. Once this has been a carried out, a tube is then passed down through the veins in the body until it reaches the rectal veins in the pelvis. Once the tube is in position, foam sclerotherapy is then injected into the affected vein(s) and followed by a platinum coil, which permanently destroys the vein and stops the reflux of blood into the haemorrhoid.

The treatment ensures that problem veins are permanently destroyed – limiting the possibility of the condition reoccurring.“

DR PETROS IOANNIS MOSCHOURIS - RECEDING GUMS

Sometimes gum recession causes the root of the tooth to become exposed, which makes the teeth look long and affects the appearance of the smile and the face in general. This recession can happen as a result of a variety of causes, including periodontal diseases and traumatic brushing.

Dr Petros Ioannis Moschouris comments:

“Gum graft surgery and other root coverage procedures are designed to cover exposed roots, reduce further gum recession, protect vulnerable roots from decay and to improve appearance. The traditional procedure, Gum Flap Surgery, involves lifting and pulling the gums back to their original position with the use of fine dissolvable stiches.

However, a new scalpel and suture free procedure called The Pinhole Technique was recently created by Dr. John Chao, and delivers exceptional results for the treatment of gum recessions. During this pinhole surgical technique a needle is used to make a small hole in the existing gum tissue. Through this pinhole, special instruments are used to gently loosen the gum tissue. These tools help expand and slide the gum-line to cover the exposed root structure.

We regularly perform The Pinhole Technique at Elleven Dental because it can cover up to 100% of the exposed root surface, and the healing which follows is very quick.“

For more information about the above treatments, please visit www.hembolize.com or www.ellevendental.com

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by George May .