Expanded services for patients with colorectal conditions at the Akureyri Hospital

“The service has grown steadily, and we have now, among other things, begun performing elective colorectal procedures using laparoscopic techniques, which offer significant benefits for patients. Such procedures often result in faster recovery, less pain, and shorter hospital stays compared to open surgery,” says Kristín Jónsdóttir, abdominal surgeon.

This development means that patients in North Iceland can increasingly receive treatment closer to home, rather than having to travel to Reykjavík, with the associated disruption for them and their families. “Patients have been very pleased to be able to undergo surgery here in the north,” Kristín adds.

Many of the patients undergoing these procedures have colorectal cancer, although there are also other reasons for treatment. According to Kristín, outcomes have been good, and since the beginning of the year, five laparoscopic procedures involving partial removal of the colon have been performed, including two in the past week.

“It is important to raise awareness among healthcare professionals about this service, as it is now possible to refer patients directly to the Akureyri Hospital instead of sending them to Reykjavík,” Kristín concludes