PATIENTS at a Liverpool hospital are the first in the country to routinely benefit from state-of-the-art equipment, which will help diagnose liver cancers more quickly.

The mini TV camera at University Hospital Aintree – known as the SpyGlass – is a pioneering tool which is fed through the mouth and down into the stomach.

The hospital is one of the first in Europe to be using the device, thanks to the fundraising group, Liver Cancer Appeal.

Former patient Sheila Scott, 76, from Cronton, set up the appeal and said: “This state-of-the-art endoscopic equipment will enhance the lives of those suffering from cancer.

“I was diagnosed with bowel and liver cancer 13 years ago. The surgeons at Aintree saved my life and I started the charity in 1996 to give something back.

“My operation took over 10 hours, today the same brilliant surgeons are doing similar operations in four hours because of new equipment and technology.”

The miniature 6,000 pixel fibre optic probe, attached to a camera head, provides the clearest internal images yet, allowing clinicians to directly see the bile ducts and liver during operations. It also allows them to take biopsies and to treat blockages due to cancers and gallstones in the bile duct.

Richard Sturgess, clinical director of gastroenterology at the hospital, said: “This equipment allows us to visualise the insides of the bile duct and liver gland on a routine basis.

“Previously we have relied on X-ray images of the structures.

“We will now be able to see directly inside the organs, access disease, take biopsies and deliver therapy.

“SpyGlass will be used to diagnose and treat around 50 patients this year, none of whom would previously have had the benefit of such sophisticated equipment.”

Early treatment is of the utmost importance for cancer patients, and the equipment will help surgeons diagnose and treat complex digestive cancers, such as those in the liver and bile ducts.

“These two cancers are on the increase and less than 15% of patients can be operated on,” said Mr Sturgess.

lizawilliams