Patients across West Hertfordshire suffering from hearing loss and debilitating ear conditions are set to benefit from more precise surgery and faster recovery times, following the arrival of a state-of-the-art KTP laser at St Albans City Hospital.
The advanced equipment, costing almost £42,000, was made possible by West Herts Hospitals Charity, which funded 50% of the total cost through the generosity of supporters, including a £10,000 grant from The Grace Trust.
The KTP laser, often described as a ‘weightless knife’, uses a focused light beam to allow surgeons to remove or reshape delicate tissue with pinpoint accuracy. Unlike traditional instruments such as microdrills or manual picks, the laser exerts no physical pressure on the delicate structures of the ear.
This is particularly vital for procedures involving the stapes, the smallest bone in the human body. The footplate of the stapes bone is just 0.1mm thick, with the delicate nerves of hearing, balance and facial movement located directly behind it. The superficial penetration ability of a KTP laser means these delicate structures have a much better chance of being preserved during surgery. Traditional methods carry a higher risk of damaging these nerves; the KTP laser significantly reduces these risks.
The arrival of this equipment marks a significant upgrade from the previous arrangement of hiring the technology only two or three times per year. Previously, the limited access meant that delicate stapedotomy procedures had to be prioritised, leaving many patients who required mastoid surgeries unable to benefit from the laser. With the laser now permanently on-site, the clinical team can use it for more common mastoid surgeries, where it is expected to reduce surgical revision rates from 25% to less than 10% by more effectively removing diseased tissue.
In cases of otosclerosis, a genetic condition affecting up to 2% of the population, this surgery can be life-changing. Over 95% of patients see an immediate restoration of hearing, moving from moderate or severe deafness to near-normal levels.
“The arrival of the KTP laser is a game-changer for our department and our patients. In delicate ear surgery, precision is everything. Not only does the laser improve the experience and outcomes for our patients, but it also provides a fantastic training opportunity for our junior staff, ensuring the next generation of surgeons is skilled in using the latest medical advancements. We can also use the technology for treating heavy nosebleeds and removing lesions from the vocal cords without causing the hoarseness often associated with traditional surgical knives.“ – Rohit Pratap, Consultant and Head of Department of ENT at West Herts Hospitals
“We are immensely grateful to The Grace Trust and our wonderful donors for helping us bridge the gap above and beyond core NHS resources. This KTP laser was a priority for our ENT department, but it fell outside the traditional hospital budget. By coming together, we have provided our surgeons with the best possible tools to change the lives of over 800 patients during the lifespan of this equipment..” – Alison Rosen, CEO of West Herts Hospitals Charity
“It was a privilege to visit the theatre team and see first-hand the incredible piece of technology that our grant has helped to secure. At The Grace Trust, we are committed to supporting projects that deliver tangible benefits to the community. Knowing that this laser will reduce the need for repeat surgeries and help restore the hearing of so many local people is truly heartening.” – Chris Birch, Trust Liaison Manager from The Grace Trust
The KTP laser is now operational at St Albans City Hospital, serving the 600,000 residents across the West Hertfordshire area.
