A revolutionary in-theatre cancer scanning technology, trialled by Australian patients, is being hailed as a major breakthrough in cancer surgery.
First used at The Epworth Hospital in Melbourne, the device—developed by Device Technologies—allows surgeons to examine the entire tumour mid-surgery, ensuring complete cancer removal while preserving surrounding nerves and healthy tissue.
Joe Giacobello, 66, one of the first patients to benefit from the technology during prostate surgery, described his recovery as remarkably smooth, noting the device helped minimize nerve damage, preserving key functions like urination and sexual health.
“We can live without a prostate, like tonsils, but the nerves are most important,” Giacobello said, recalling how past surgeries often left patients with lasting side effects due to less precise methods.
Urologists, including Epworth’s Professor Nathan Lawrentschuk, highlighted how the new imaging technology enables real-time decisions, striking a better balance between removing cancer and preserving quality of life.
Associate Professor Marlon Perera called the innovation one of the most significant advances in the past decade, offering immense peace of mind for patients.
The scanner is expected to be rolled out across most Australian capital cities within the year and will also be used in breast and skin cancer surgeries.
