Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital adopts advanced technology for breast cancer patients

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital is demonstrating its commitment to offering the most advanced treatment options to patients with breast cancer, even before the opening of the hospital, by having the first breast surgical oncologist in The Woodlands and northern region to use the new SAVI SCOUT® radar localization system during breast conservation surgeries.

An alternative to wire localization, SCOUT is an FDA-cleared device used by surgeons and radiologists to precisely locate and direct the removal of a tumor during a lumpectomy or surgical biopsy procedure.

“Breast cancer surgery can be physically and emotionally distressing for women, and we strive to find ways to improve outcomes and create a better experience for our patients,” said Dr. Loren Rourke, breast surgical oncologist and Houston Methodist regional breast program director. “SCOUT resolves one of the most difficult aspects of breast conservation surgery by eliminating the need to place a wire inside breast tissue to locate a tumor.”

SCOUT uses non-radioactive, micro-impulse radar technology to provide real-time surgical guidance during breast surgery. Rather than placing a wire immediately before surgery, a SCOUT reflector is placed in the target tissue up to 30 days prior to surgery. During surgery, the SCOUT hand piece accurately detects the location of the reflector and the tumor.

The ability to precisely locate and direct the removal of a tumor during a lumpectomy or surgical biopsy procedure enables surgeons to increase the probability of complete cancer removal and reduce the likelihood of needing follow-up surgeries – a huge advantage for early-stage breast cancer patients. In addition, the ability to strategically plan the incision may result in less tissue being removed during surgery, resulting in better cosmetic outcomes.

“We are proud to have the first breast surgical oncologist in the northern region to use the new SCOUT breast localization and surgical guidance system during breast conservation surgeries,” said Debbie Sukin, chief executive officer, Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital and regional senior vice president, Houston Methodist. “As research and technology advances, we’re committed to adopting the safest and most progressive treatment options for women and men with breast cancer.”

Dr. Rourke’s office is in Medical Office Building 1 (MOB 1), Suite 330, located at 17183 Interstate 45 S, The Woodlands, Texas, 77385, on the Houston Methodist The Woodlands campus.

For appointments, call 936.270.3655.

Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital is a not-for-profit, faith-based hospital, opening in July 2017.

For more information on Houston Methodist The Woodlands campus, please visit houstonmethodist.org/thewoodlands.