Khoula Hospital Localizes Two New Breast Surgery Services

Muscat: Khoula Hospital began to localize two new services in the field of breast cancer surgery, namely the localization of non-palpable breast tumours and axillary sentinel lymph nodes (through the implementation of the "Sentimag-Endomag" system) and the introduction of a comprehensive post-operative care service that provides breast prostheses, post-surgery bras and recovery-support products. According to Oman News Agency, the new services align with the hospital's drive to consolidate comprehensive care for breast cancer patients, right from the stage of diagnosis, through to the surgery and the post-treatment stage. Dr. Sarah Mohammed Al Kindi, Consultant in Breast Oncoplastic Surgery at Khoula Hospital, stated that breast cancer surgeries typically involve two key components: addressing the breast tumour itself and identifying axillary sentinel lymph nodes. These measures aim to facilitate the development of appropriate treatment plans tailored to the condition of each patient. Dr. Al Kindi explained that the Endomag-Sentimag system integrates two essential functions of breast cancer surgery into a single device. It utilizes magnetic technology ("Magseed" magnetic seeds and "Magtrace" magnetic fluid) to locate non-palpable breast tumours and sentinel lymph nodes-the first time such a technology is implemented in the Sultanate of Oman. The technology realizes the precise localization of non-palpable tumours during surgery, allowing the surgeon to accurately eliminate the target area while preserving healthy tissue, offering an integrated approach to breast cancer surgery. The magnetic system serves as a practical alternative to traditional techniques that rely on metal surgical wires to locate non-palpable tumours or radioactive materials to identify sentinel lymph nodes. This simplifies the procedures undergone by patients, from diagnosis to surgery, and minimizes the need for coordination with external services, saving time and effort, while enhancing surgical efficiency. Speaking about the breast pros thesis service, Dr. Sarah noted that it specifically targets patients who have undergone a mastectomy, as well as patients who do not wish to undergo breast reconstruction surgery or are unable to undergo the same. The service is an integral part of comprehensive post-breast cancer surgery care. The prostheses and recovery aids help restore external symmetry and physical balance following surgery. Dr. Sarah also mentioned that the system includes products designed for the early post-operative stages, like post-surgical bras and soft prostheses-which provide comfort and support while protecting the sensitive surgical area during recovery. She affirmed that localizing these services marks a milestone in the transition from a focus on tumour treatment to a model of comprehensive care for breast cancer patients, notably in view of the local disease burden. The latest GLOBOCAN data from the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer show that breast cancer is the most common cancer am ong women in the Sultanate of Oman. Localizing these services constitutes part of the efforts made by Khoula Hospital and the Ministry of Health to bolster breast surgery services and expand access to modern medical technologies. These initiatives align with the goals of Oman Vision 2040, which seeks to enhance the efficiency of healthcare services and place the patient at the heart of the healthcare system.