Return of the Endoscopy Masterclass
Clinicians, delegates and patients shared views, ideas and insights at a Royal Perth Hospital forum on Barrett’s Oesophagus
Following the knockout success of the inaugural Endoscopy Masterclass at Royal Perth Hospital (RPH) in late 2023, course convenors Professor Krish Ragunath and Dr Niroshan Muwanwella were back for round two recently!
Both clinicians were keen to sharpen the focus of this masterclass to Barrett’s Oesophagus – a condition that affects the digestive process and may lead to a rare cancer called Oesophageal Adenocarcinoma.
“The masterclass was conducted under the auspices of the WA Barrett’s Oesophagus Registry (WABOR), a groundbreaking initiative that seeks to advance research into this condition and ultimately improve outcomes for patients suffering from chronic reflux disease and Barrett’s Oesophagus,” Prof Ragunath shared.
With an impressive line-up of distinguished international, national and local speakers, it was no surprise that the presentations and discussions at the sold-out bespoke event were engaging and insightful. Five real-time endoscopic procedures were also beamed live into the conference hall, providing that added edge of in-theatre learning.
Prof Prasad Iyer, who had travelled all the way from the Mayo Clinic in the US, discussed best practice in Barrett’s Oesophagus surveillance and outlined strategies for optimal endoscopic surveillance techniques. In what was a fascinating lecture, Prof Iyer discussed biomarker-based strategies for screening and surveillance, which are expected to change the landscape of oesophageal cancer globally in the future.
In his presentation, Dr Vinay Sehgal from University College London Hospital in the UK focused on the “new kid on the block” – Cryoablation – a minimally invasive interventional endoscopic procedure that uses extreme cold to freeze and kill abnormal cancerous and pre-cancerous cells.
Dr Niroshan Muwanwella, Prof Krish Ragunath, Dr Vinay Sehgal, Prof Prasad Iyer and Mr Sri Ganesh Thrumurthy at the RPH Endoscopy Masterclass.
One of the key advantages of Cryoablation is that it is less painful and well tolerated by patients, without compromising on clinical effectiveness. This is now available in RPH as an Australian first, with half a dozen patients having been treated to date.
Prof Jacques Bergman from Amsterdam University Medical Centre delivered a deep dive into the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in Barrett’s Oesophagus.
“AI is now entering the endoscopy arena, and Barrett’s Oesophagus will be a key target to gain attention. It has the potential to minimise human error and aid in best practice,” Prof Ragunath said, adding that RPH was now participating in a research project with the European BONS-AI consortium to advance this technology.
Patients Terry and Michael share their experience
Perhaps the most uplifting aspect of the conference was the presence of two RPH patients at different stages in their healthcare journey, who were able to meet each other for the first time and exchange notes.
Retired electrical engineer Terry Mulligan, 77, was first diagnosed with Barrett’s Oesophagus in 2019 by RPH Consultant Dr Chiang Siah.
Michael Tarry, a bladesmith, has been under the care of Dr Ragunath at RPH and was recently diagnosed with oesophageal cancer. He has completed four rounds of chemotherapy. Both Terry and Michael praised the standard of care they received at RPH, saying the detailed explanations they were given about their treatment by doctors and nurses went a long way in providing comfort and reassurance.
“It has been superb, and I am doing very well!” Terry beamed, as he excitedly shared how he is gearing up to represent Australia in the World Aquatic Masters Water Polo Championship in Singapore.
Listening in to Terry’s animated chatter was Michael, whose journey in the hospital system – his very first time – has only just begun.
“It’s been really good to meet Terry – to actually
see that he’s been through it and come out of it,” Michael said.
He too was effusive in his praise about the care received at RPH, calling it “very professional”.
“Everybody was so caring; I can’t talk highly enough about how I was treated!”
Both Michael and Terry have signed up to WABOR, keen to give back in any way they can.
“If we can help get it out there… because I’d never heard of Barrett’s,” Michael said. “If it can help anyone else, why not?” Terry pitched in.
The WABOR was initiated and launched in 2021 by Prof Ragunath and the WABOR team, with support from a research grant by Curtin University’s Medical School. The project links clinicians and researchers from all three metropolitan health services, as well as private healthcare providers including Hollywood and St John of God hospitals, as they work towards a common goal – to collect and analyse data on patients with Barrett’s Oesophagus in WA; the goal being to improve the understanding of this condition and develop more effective treatment strategies. The registry is open to all patients in the State diagnosed with Barrett’s Oesophagus.