Patients with chronic bowel conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are receiving faster, less invasive care at Townsville University Hospital thanks to a new specialist ultrasound machine.
The advanced technology allows doctors to assess inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) flare-ups in minutes, cutting wait times and reducing the need for colonoscopies. Crohn’s patient Ty Lawler, who has endured over 30 colonoscopies since his diagnosis at age 21, says the new approach is life-changing.
“For patients like me this is a game-changer,” Mr Lawler said.
“When I have had a flare-up in the past I would need to get a blood test and stool samples to
confirm my bowel was inflamed; meanwhile with this ultrasound the team can see within
minutes what the issue is and we could start treatment within no time.
“We’re talking about disease assessment in half an hour at most.”
Since its introduction, the hospital has already seen improvements in patient outcomes, making this investment a major win for IBD care in North Queensland.
