Al-Bar Association for Charity and Social Services Hospital in Homs announced on Monday the opening of Syria's first ultrasound-guided bronchoscopy center, in collaboration with the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS). The first endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) procedures were performed, aiming to facilitate diagnostic procedures for lung diseases and mediastinal lymph nodes without the need for surgical intervention.
Hospital Director Dr. Fadi Al-Zoubi explained that the modern EBUS technology relies on bronchoscopy using ultrasound, which helps diagnose cases that are difficult to reach and obtain necessary biopsies for histological examination. He pointed out that this technology contributes to reducing health and financial burdens on patients, as the examination can be performed in one day, allowing the patient to return home after receiving a guided biopsy, depending on their medical condition.
For his part, Dr. Anas Maghrabi, a critical care and pulmonary diseases specialist from the United States and a member of "SAMS," noted that the society contributed to introducing the device with the support of a Syrian donor doctor and in cooperation with the Ministry of Health. He emphasized the importance of the technology in diagnosing tumors and diseases related to enlarged lymph nodes in the mediastinum and chest area, expressing hope that this technology would be generalized across various Syrian cities.
Dr. Ayham Saloum, the son of one of the benefiting patients, added that the experience allowed obtaining necessary samples through a less invasive method than traditional surgical procedures, stressing the necessity of providing modern technologies within Syria. The Homs Directorate of Health had previously opened the oncology department at the hospital on the 22nd of last month in collaboration with "SAMS," aiming to enhance medical services for cancer patients and alleviate their treatment burdens.
Al-Zoubi confirmed that the cases performed or to be performed today would be offered free of charge until an appropriate cost is determined that takes into account the cost of medical supplies, noting that the launch of the service was accompanied by training a number of doctors on using the device to qualify medical staff capable of providing the service and expanding its scope.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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