Specialist Obstetrician and Gynaecologist Dr Marlene Bothma said being able to provide such care to local women when clinically appropriate would help improve the patient journey and outcomes. The surgery is normally only offered in cancer centres including Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra and further afield in the country.

“The diagnosis can be incredibly overwhelming for a patient, but being in a familiar environment definitely makes the patient feel more comfortable. They feel like they are at home in a way and much more supported and safer,” Dr Bothma said.

A laparoscopic hysterectomy for endometrial cancer takes two to three hours, depending upon complexity, and requires specialised equipment. The ICG-Enhanced Fluorescence-guided sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping, used during the surgery, allows surgeons to determine exactly where the cancer has spread.

A/Prof Dr Ramanand Athavale, Gynaecological Oncologist, who visits Calvary Riverina regularly, flew to Wagga Wagga from Sydney to perform the surgery alongside Dr Bothma.

“Dr Athavale has worked with Calvary Riverina a number of times. It was exciting for the staff to be involved in a surgical first for our region and to work together to ensure the patient received the care they needed locally,” Dr Bothma said.

“It took about two weeks from diagnosis to surgery, which is a really good outcome. The patient had her surgery done before she would have in the city. If we can provide that added benefit locally, that improves outcomes for patients.”'

The patient, who wanted to remain anonymous, said getting the care she needed in the region was a relief.

“On a personal level, having surgery locally made me feel much more comfortable. I was less concerned about financial strain but emotionally it made a big difference because I knew that I wasn’t far away from home. This meant that my husband and kids were always close by and if I needed them or any other family members to be there for me, they could,” she said.

“Initially when I received such a life-changing diagnosis, I felt overwhelmed. But the professionalism and during this whole process, to the care I received at Calvary post-surgery – everything has been amazing. The nurses, the physios and even the staff who brought the meals around went out of their way to make me feel supported and cared for.”

Calvary Riverina is committed to providing the surgery to local women when suitable. Patients are individually assessed on their clinical needs.

“Having this surgical option available locally will make a huge difference for patients overall wellbeing and reduces the financial burden that comes with travelling for health treatment,” Dr Bothma said.