At Perpetual Help Medical Center – Las Piñas, we continue to invest in medical technology that can improve patient care and support better treatment.
We are proud to introduce the Gamma Probe, our new Nuclear Medicine equipment. This small, handheld device helps surgeons locate specific tissues during certain procedures with greater precision.
Think of it as a precise roadmap for the surgical team. It helps guide surgeons toward the exact area that needs attention, even when the target is small or difficult to locate.
How Does the Gamma Probe Work?
The Gamma Probe detects signals from a small amount of radioactive tracer given to the patient.
During surgery, the probe guides the surgeon toward areas where the tracer has collected. This provides real-time guidance and helps the surgeon locate the target tissue more accurately.
The technology can be especially useful when doctors need to find small or deep areas that may be difficult to see or feel during surgery.
How Does the Gamma Probe Help with Your Treatment?
The Gamma Probe supports highly targeted procedures. Doctors can use it in several types of surgery.
Cancer Care and Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
For certain cancers, including breast cancer, doctors may use the Gamma Probe during a sentinel lymph node biopsy.
The sentinel lymph node is the first lymph node or group of nodes where cancer cells may spread. The Gamma Probe helps the surgeon locate these lymph nodes during the procedure.
Doctors can then remove the identified nodes for further examination. The results can provide important information about whether cancer has spread beyond its original location.
This targeted approach can help doctors gather the information they need while limiting unnecessary removal of other lymph nodes.
Targeted Surgery
Surgeons can also use the Gamma Probe to help locate certain tissues that may be difficult to see or feel.
For example, it may help doctors identify overactive parathyroid glands during parathyroid surgery. It can also help locate certain small or hidden breast lesions when doctors use an appropriate radioactive tracer.
The probe gives the surgeon additional guidance during the procedure. This helps the medical team focus on the specific area that requires attention.
Benefits of the Gamma Probe
Using the Gamma Probe can support a more precise surgical approach and a smoother recovery for some patients.
Pinpoint accuracy is one of its key benefits. The device helps surgeons find small or deep target areas that they might otherwise have difficulty locating.
The Gamma Probe may also support smaller incisions in certain procedures. When surgeons can locate the target more precisely, they may avoid unnecessary exploration of nearby tissue.
A more focused procedure may also mean less tissue disruption and less discomfort after surgery.
For some patients, smaller incisions and a more targeted procedure may contribute to a faster recovery. Recovery time will still depend on the procedure, the patient’s condition, and other medical factors.
Greater Precision with Compassionate Care
Technology plays an important role in modern healthcare, but it works best together with skilled doctors and a dedicated healthcare team.
The addition of the Gamma Probe strengthens our ability to support precise and targeted procedures at Perpetual Help Medical Center – Las Piñas.
From diagnosis and treatment to surgery and recovery, we remain committed to providing accurate, safe, and compassionate care.
Our goal is simple: to give our patients access to technology that helps our medical teams make informed decisions and deliver the care each patient needs.
For more information about the Gamma Probe, Nuclear Medicine services, or related procedures, contact Perpetual Help Medical Center – Las Piñas today.
