About 110 patients in Port Macquarie have already benefited from endosopic resection of tissue in the gastrointestinal tract which avoids the need for conventional surgery in suitable cases.

And Port Macquarie Gastroenterology director Dr Stuart Kostalas continues to hone his skills in interventional endoscopy with assistance from a pioneer in the field.

Professor Takashi Toyonaga returned to Port Macquarie to help mentor and refine Dr Kostalas’ skills in interventional endoscopy at Port Macquarie Private Hospital.

The technique also avoids the need for lengthy hospital stays.

“It has a big value for patients’ lives,” Dr Kostalas said.

“We are able to tackle more advanced cancers because of the mentoring Takashi is providing.

“As our skills improve, we are able to treat more advanced complex lesions.”

The diagnosis of more early cancers also provides the opportunity for increased use of the procedure.

Dr Kostalas said the opportunity to be mentored by Professor Toyonaga in Port Macquarie was as close as you could get to living in a perfect world.

“You have an international expert who is happy to fly to your town to mentor you, support you and provide you with education,” he said.

Professor Toyonaga said it was his great pleasure to mentor Dr Kostalas who learnt very quickly.

The international expert also gave a presentation to specialists during a dinner at The Stunned Mullet on February 4.