This new procedure in Southend, called transnasal oesophagoscopy, allows patients to get their results two to three weeks earlier than the traditional method.
The revolutionary technique is benefiting suspected throat cancer patients by providing faster diagnosis and earlier treatment.
The new process examines a patient’s throat, voice box, or food pipe and takes tissue samples in a single 45-minute appointment.
This is achieved using small surgical instruments passed through the tube.
Mr Oliver Sanders, Ear, Nose, and Throat Registrar at Mid and South Essex NHS Trust, said: “It is about seeing patients as quickly as possible, which means we can either give them the good news that they don’t have cancer or make sure they start treatment sooner if they do.”
Unlike the traditional method, which requires general anaesthetic and an operating theatre, this approach uses a flexible telescope passed through the nose and can be done under local anaesthetic, meaning patients get to go home the same day.
Mr Sanders added: “The patients we see who have been referred to the service will have noticed a change in their voice or perhaps are having difficulty swallowing.
“We will see them for an initial examination with an endoscopic camera, and if we see anything that needs further investigation, we’ll ask them to come back for an endoscopic biopsy.”
One of the first patients to benefit from this procedure was 57-year-old semi-professional singer Alan Dugdale from Rochford.
After noticing changes to his voice, Alan was referred for an examination and was offered the transnasal oesophagoscopy to check for cancer.
Fortunately, his results were negative, and he praised the staff for their care.
He said: “As someone who is usually anxious about operating theatres, the idea of a general anaesthetic and time off work really didn’t appeal.
“Being able to have this under a local anaesthetic was a relief. Mr Sanders explained everything so clearly, which put my mind at ease.”
Once fully established at Southend Hospital, the service is set to expand to both Basildon and Broomfield hospitals.