Training is being held at Vailoa Hospital to update medical staff on endoscopy, a non surgical procedure used to examine one's digestive tract.

Endoscopy is a non surgical procedure used to examine one's digestive tract. Using an endoscope, a flexible tube with a light and camera attached to it, the gastroenterologist  can view pictures of one's digestive tract on a color TV monitor.

This has been performed in Tonga for over a decade, but ongoing training needs to be held in this area of expertise.

Gastroenterologist General Physician Dr Chris Hair, leader of ANZGITA (Australian & New Zealand Gastroenterology International Training Association and gastroenterology nurse Catherine Conway (President of the Gastroenterological Nurses College Australia) are conducting the training.

Dr Hair said what they are doing in the theater is upper and lower gastrointestinal (GI)  endoscopy, which has the capability to improve diagnosis or make early diagnosis of diseases, as well as treat certain diseases such as peptic ulcer disease or bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract.

He said this includes preventing diseases such as colorectal cancer or even gastric cancer.

"We are also helping to improve the diagnostics around a bacteria called Helicobacter Pylori, which is very common in the Pacific Islands. There are tests available here and we’re just looking at strengthening those tests.”

He said the skills transfer around the procedure, we are entirely teaching the procedures so that when we leave, they are the experts.

"Rather than just coming and doing the procedures and leaving where no one benefits other than the patients.”

Conway said a lot of the training is around looking after the equipment, safely reprocessing it so you can reuse it on another patient and the staff being able to look after themselves so they are not being exposed to the disinfectant and things that they use.

It's just basic principles of infection control, looking after the patients, and work health and safety for the staff and some interventional things so they can assist with the procedures, she said.

Tonga now is the third country in the South Pacific to partner up with ANZGITA.

Fiji has had 11-years sustainable ongoing program, Solomon Islands seven-years, Samoa three-years and now Tonga.

"We are hopeful that we will continue with our training and education endeavours and partnerships."

ANZGITA provides education, training, skills transfer, and capacity development in gastrointestinal healthcare for Pacific Islands since 2008. ANZGITA trains Pacific Island doctors and nurses, co-develop systems and services in this field.