The University of Calabar Teaching Hospital enhances patient care with advanced endoscopic procedures, becoming the second government facility in Nigeria to do so.

[dropcap]U[/dropcap]niversity of Calabar Teaching Hospital Introduces Advanced Endoscopy: The University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) in Cross River State has expanded its clinical services by introducing advanced endoscopic procedures.

According to Professor Ikpeme Ikpeme, Chief Medical Director of UCTH, the hospital is now the second government-owned facility in Nigeria to offer these advanced techniques.

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The introduction of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) aims to improve the diagnosis and treatment of hepatopancreatic biliary diseases.

This advancement allows for minimally invasive procedures that previously required large incisions. “With the new technology, we use a camera mounted on a fibre optic cable to perform biopsies and administer treatment with minimal invasion,” Ikpeme explained.

UCTH has partnered with Massachusetts General Hospital to advance endoscopic practices. “We have had a basic endoscopy programme, but it’s time to upscale and introduce advanced techniques,” Ikpeme said.

This collaboration also includes support from Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital.

Staff training has been conducted both abroad and locally. “We trained our staff in the USA and India and completed a one-week hands-on training programme in Calabar,” Ikpeme added.

The hospital has already treated eight patients free of charge, who would otherwise have traveled abroad for similar treatments.

Ikpeme highlighted the benefits of the new service: “Advanced medical treatments are now closer to home, offering improved accessibility, affordability, and outcomes. It’s a win-win for Nigeria and Africa.”