Introducing imaging-guided injection treatment at RDH

RANGELY — Localized spinal and joint pain are common conditions that debilitate millions of Americans annually.
Most cases are successfully treated by conservative means: rest, medication, physical therapy or chiropractic manipulation. In some advanced cases, more aggressive treatments such as surgery or injection treatments are called for.
Now at the Rangely District Hospital, patients can receive state of the art care in injection therapy thanks to the new C-Arm equipment now operational. It uses real-time fluoroscopy to allow the doctor to view inside the body while guiding the needle to a precise point in the joint or nerve area. Before they had to go by feel or educated guess on how to place the injection.
Dr. Kenneth Lewis, a board certified anesthesiologist from Grand Junction, heads the team performing the procedures locally, assisted by nurses Kelly Christian and Karen Robie and the radiology staff.
Chief of Radiology Nancy Droste was instrumental in procureming the equipment by drafting grant requests through which Rio Blanco County gave $60,000 toward the total $96,000 expenditure. The hospital paid the remainder.
Droste is also looking at complimentary equipment to do Rhizolysis procedures.
Using the same imaging equipment, the doctor can insert a needle point electrode into selected nerves and then deaden the area to relieve chronic or otherwise unbearable pain for patients. It should be noted that this equipment will also be used to aid in minor surgeries that are currently performed and major operations when the time comes.
A second treatment room is being prepared in the north patient wing to provide a separate and private recovery room for those patients who have required anesthesia from endoscopy or other treatments. Four new medical supply and equipment carts have been purchased to allow the specialists who practice here to be fully stocked with a secure source of tools and also have the mobility to use either treatment room.
In other hospital news, the endoscopy program is celebrating its first anniversary of operation.
Dr. Andrew Morris has been coming here from Community Hospital in Grand Junction at least once a month and has performed about 50 examinations of either colonoscopy or gastric procedures. Since colon cancer is one of the most preventable forms, everyone over the age of 50 should have a screening done now to provide a baseline for future exams.
Dr. Morris stated that he has the capability to also perform breast biopsies and vasectomies here when requested. His team of Tammy Warden, Cathy Clay and Kelly Christian provide heartfelt caring and professional expertise to their patients.