A significant milestone has been reached in the delivery of specialist diagnostic services in Fife

NHS Fife’s Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) team has completed its first 100 procedures since the service launched last year.

Before its introduction, patients had to travel to Edinburgh for treatment.

Endoscopic ultrasound is a minimally invasive procedure that combines a camera - endoscope- and ultrasound technology to provide highly detailed images of the digestive tract and nearby organs, including the pancreas, liver and bile ducts.

Mr Syed Ali Naqvi and the EUS team (Pic: NHS Fife)

placeholder image — Mr Syed Ali Naqvi and the EUS team (Pic: NHS Fife)

It plays a vital role in diagnosing a range of conditions and is particularly important in the early detection and assessment of cancers.

The service is particularly beneficial for patients on cancer pathways, including those with hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) conditions, where timely and accurate diagnosis is critical.

Mr Syed Ali Naqvi, consultant general and hepatopancreatobiliarys, said: “Endoscopic ultrasound is an extremely valuable diagnostic tool, allowing us to examine the digestive system and surrounding organs in very fine detail, and where needed, obtain tissue samples to support rapid and accurate diagnosis.

“Having access to this service within Fife means patients are able to undergo important investigations much closer to home and helping to streamline their care. This is particularly important for those on cancer pathways, where timely diagnosis is essential to achieving the best possible outcomes.”

The milestone also reflects the significant collaborative effort behind the service, bringing together expertise from across gastroenterology, surgery, nursing, radiology and pathology.

The introduction of EUS in Fife has strengthened local diagnostic pathways and is helping to ensure patients can access timely specialist assessment and treatment in a more streamlined and coordinated way.

Professor Christopher McKenna, NHS Fife’s medical director and deputy chief executive, added: “The introduction of Endoscopic Ultrasound is a significant step forward in how we deliver specialist diagnostic services for patients.

“Providing this level of care locally not only improves the overall patient experience by reducing the need to travel but also supports a more efficient and joined-up approach to care across our services.

“This milestone reflects the commitment of our teams to developing innovative, high-quality services that meet the needs of our population and improve access to timely diagnosis and treatment.”