There are a variety of minimally invasive image guided techniques we now use to treat cancer or to aid in the treatment of cancer.
Here we place a needle through the skin directly into a tumour using ultrasound or CT to show us where to go. We then deliver extreme heat or cold down the needle to burn the tumour from the inside. We usually treat tumours in the liver, lung or kidney but are advancing to treat tumours in the pancreas and elsewhere in the body. Patients are referred to us by our medical and surgical colleagues. Ablation is usually performed under general anaesthesia but can often be done as a day case procedure to allow quick recovery.
Here we insert a needle through the skin under ultrasound guidance directly into the main vessel which supplies the liver with blood. We then inject glue, beads or tiny metal coils to block off the blood supply to the side of the liver which contains tumour. This causes this side of the liver to shrink and the opposite side to grow which allows surgeons to remove the cancerous side of the liver without putting the patient into liver failure. Patients for this procedure are referred to us by our hepatobiliary surgical colleagues. The procedure can be performed under local anaesthetic but often we keep patients overnight on a ward for close observation and monitoring.
If a tumour is very large or has an extensive blood supply, we can insert a needle into an artery (usually in the groin) and pass a tiny tube (catheter) up through the aorta and into the artery that supplies the tumour with blood. We can then inject glue or tiny beads, particles or tiny metal coils into the arteries supplying the tumour which blocks the blood supply. Due to a lack of blood the tumour shrinks and has less blood in it, making it easier to remove by traditional open surgery. Patients for this procedure are referred to us by various surgical specialties and can be performed under local anaesthetic. Patients usually stay overnight on a ward after the procedure for close observation and monitoring.
This uses the same technique as tumour embolisation but once we get to the artery supplying the tumour we inject tiny plastic beads coated in chemotherapy. The beads get “stuck” in the tumour and slowly deliver chemotherapy directly into the tumour. This reduces the numerous side effects from traditional chemotherapy. Patients for this procedure are referred to us by our gastroenterology or oncology colleagues. The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic and sedation and patients stay overnight on the ward following the procedure for close observation and monitoring.
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BLOOD TESTING DUE TO COVID-19
If you are experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, e.g. fever, loss of taste or continuous new cough, please DO NOT attend for a blood test.
Earlier this year, the Government revised the guidance on Shielding for CEV patients. All those who have been identified as CEV have been advised to follow the same guidance as everyone else, whilst potentially thinking about extra precautions you could take to reduce your chance of catching COVID-19.
Taking into account this guidance, and the evidence that most patients have now resumed having their blood tests at their usual preferred location, UHCW will no longer be providing the Shielding phlebotomy service from Monday 13 December 2021. You will need to make arrangements to get your blood tests done, as you did prior to the pandemic at locations across Coventry and Warwickshire at www.uhcw.nhs.uk/bloodtests If your specialist has requested a blood test which is due to be taken prior to Monday 13th December, you can expect it to take place at a ‘Pop-up’ clinic, as before. Any blood tests required after this date will need to be a booked appointment.
You can keep up to date with the latest advice from the Government and from UHCW on the following website: www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19
Click on the map for information about phlebotomy clinics in Coventry. You can book an appointment online at the locations in red.
Please book an appointment before attending for a blood test. Click on the ‘Book Online’ button above. Booking an appointment helps patients, their carers and family members to plan their hospital visit better, helping to reduce clinic waiting times and enabling patients to be seen much more quickly.
Location: Outpatients Department, on the ground floor. Opening hours: 8am-4.45pm, Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays).
Children under 16 years old will need to book online here.
Please book an appointment before attending for a blood test, click on the ‘Book Online’ button above. Patients from Rugby and the surrounding areas are able to access the Friends Blood Taking Unit at the Hospital of St Cross.
Referrals for blood tests can be from GP's, practice nurses or from hospital consultants. Patients are also able to leave other samples, such as urine, which have been collected at home, at the hospital's Pathology Reception.
Location: Near Brookfield House, just off North Road - map here. Opening hours: The blood taking clinic sessions for adults and children are listed below:
Monday -Friday 7am-4:45pm Appointment only
Wednesday Evening 5pm-7pm Suspended due to COVID
Saturday Morning 7am-10pm Suspended due to COVID
April 2020 NEW - This Clinic is now by appointment. Please book an appointment before attending for a blood test. Click on the ‘Book Online’ button above.
Address: Stoney Stanton Road, Coventry CV1 4FS Location: Access is via the main doors, the Phlebotomy team are in Area A. Opening hours: Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays). 8am–4.45pm
Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT)
Specialist Tests - There are a small number of specialist tests where blood needs to be taken on a hospital site as the sample must be transferred to the laboratory rapidly for the test to be undertaken. Click here for a list of these specialist tests and to find out more.