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New equipment will help treatment of Highland colorectal patients at Raigmore Hospital thanks to efforts of Friends group


By Hector MacKenzie

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Jean Slater and Christina Cameron from the Friends of Raigmore.
Jean Slater and Christina Cameron from the Friends of Raigmore.

VITAL new equipment which is less invasive will soon be helping to improve the quality of life of colorectal patients in the Highlands, thanks to the efforts of the Friends of Raigmore.

Colorectal patients at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness will soon be benefiting from an innovative technique used to treat anal fistulas, thanks to the donation from the Friends of Raigmore.

An anal fistula is a small tunnel that develops between the end of the large bowel and skin near the back passage. They can cause chronic debilitating symptoms of pain or discomfort, ongoing infection, discharge of fluid and skin irritation, impacting patients’ quality of life.

Traditional treatment could include the placement of a plastic drain or surgery which itself can lead to problems, including incontinence.

Now, thanks to the Friends, suitable patients at Raigmore can be treated using video-assisted anal fistula treatment which allows a surgeon to treat the fistula using a tiny video camera (endoscope) without having to divide the anal sphincter muscles. Not only does it offer a cure, but it also reduces the risk of incontinence. The new kit can also be used to treat pilonidal sinus disease.

Raymond Oliphant, consultant colorectal surgeon for NHS Highland, said: “Without the Friends of Raigmore we would not have this piece of kit.

“I really can’t thank them enough. This will make such a difference to our patients.”

Christina Cameron, chairwoman of the Friends of Raigmore, said: “We’re so pleased to have been able to hand this over and to hear about how it will benefit the department and patients in Highland.

“Apart from our public liability insurance, every penny raised in our Raigmore Hospital shop goes towards our fundraising and we would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported this project, by either donating or purchasing from the shop.”


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