New ultrasound a 'game changer' for north Queensland IBD patients

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are receiving faster and less invasive care thanks to a new specialist ultrasound machine at the Townsville University Hospital.

The dedicated machine provides rapid and accurate disease assessment for patients experiencing flare-ups of chronic conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, dramatically reducing waiting times for diagnosis and treatment.

For Crohn's patient Ty Lawler, who has lived with the condition for 14 years, the new technology is a revolution in his care.

“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.”

Mr Lawler, 35, has undergone more than 30 colonoscopies since being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at 21 years old and said the new machine provided immense relief by reducing the need for frequent invasive procedures.

“Thankfully it means less procedures like colonoscopies, which carry their own risk,” he said.

“Colonoscopies also require bowel prep ahead of the procedure, which for many people and myself included is the worst part of the procedure.

“This ultrasound machine removes the need to do that which is a huge thing.”

Gastroenterologist Dr Desmond Patrick said the dedicated ultrasound machine was a major advancement in IBD care for the region. 

“Because IBD is a chronic condition, patients need frequent re-assessment of disease which is easy and quick to do with bowel ultrasound,” Dr Patrick said.

“It allows for rapid disease assessment and change in management if required and significantly reduces the number of colonoscopies and traditional imaging procedures and is a major advance in care particularly for our regional and remote patients.”

“This is a significant investment into IBD care in the north Queensland region and while we have only had the machine for a short time, we have already directly seen an improvement with the patient experience which has led to better health outcomes,”

“Intestinal ultrasound allows clinicians like myself to make rapid and accurate disease assessment, which means our patients get the right treatment faster.

“While this technology won't eliminate the need for colonoscopies or traditional imaging scans such as CT and MRI entirely, it is a powerful new tool for our teams. It’s a win for our patients and for the quality and efficiency of our service.”