Investment in a laser that treats burns will have a “massive impact” on patients’ lives, says Dr. Marc Jeschke, Director of the Burn Program at Hamilton General Hospital and Vice President Research, Hamilton Health Sciences.
“For Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation to have fundraised to provide this equipment is beyond words. It’s a life changer,” Dr. Jeschke says.
Burn survivors deal with scarring, pain, impaired function and itch, as well as mental health challenges, such as post-traumatic stress disorder. Burn survivors are often unable to work or even perform daily activities. There are limited therapeutic options for these patients, and they often require surgeries for their scar treatment. Surgery is invasive and requires a hospital stay and prolonged recovery, which may involve pain and risk of infection. In addition, patients sometimes wait years for surgery due to long waitlists.
This advanced laser technology has profoundly changed care for burn survivors. It allows doctors to perform minimally invasive treatment in the clinic, which can improve pain, itching and tissue regeneration and functioning. The treatment takes minutes to an hour and patients can return to their normal activities the following day. Access to this treatment will also shorten surgery wait times for all patients.
“Patients who have had this treatment can sleep again, they can go back to work, laugh again. It completely changes people’s lives,” says Dr. Jeschke. “This is a tremendous tool to improve quality of life.”
The laser is the latest step in Hamilton Health Sciences’ effort to advance burn treatment and research. As one of just two burn centres in the province, ensuring access to quality, specialized burn care in the Hamilton-Niagara region and beyond is critical. In addition, the Hamilton Health Sciences burn research program enables exploration into novel therapies for burn patients and patients with scars, such as 3D printed skin and scarless healing.
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