News

Southern Cross Invercargill Hospital is the first private hospital in New Zealand to introduce magnetic seed technology for breast cancer surgery - offering women a more accurate, less invasive, and kinder alternative to traditional breast cancer surgery.

The technology, already in use at public hospitals in Gisborne and Timaru, allows surgeons to locate breast cancer tumours using a small magnetic seed, shaped like a grain of rice, implanted before surgery.

Breast surgeon Paul Samson first introduced magnetic seed surgery to Invercargill in 2022 and has since extended its use to Queenstown, where he also operates at Southern Cross Central Lakes Hospital.

He says one of the major advantages of the technology is flexibility. The magnetic seed can be implanted days or even weeks before surgery, avoiding the need for an invasive hook wire procedure on the day.

Traditionally, women undergoing the hook wire method would have a needle inserted into their breast and wait all day for surgery, often scheduled last on the operating list.

“From a patient perspective, the seed is a big step forward – it makes for a much kinder experience,” says Mr Samson. “Patients can now be scheduled first on the list, so they don’t have to wait around all day. It also allows us to plan better and avoid unnecessary stress.”

Jo McLeod, General Manager of Southern Cross Invercargill Hospital, says the organisation is pleased to support the initiative.

“Our aim is to work in partnership with our specialists to provide them with the medical equipment they need to produce the best outcomes for patients,” she says.

While hook wires will remain an option for some patients, Mr Samson says magnetic seed surgery is proving especially valuable in Southland and Central Otago.

“Here in the deep South, the magnetic seed has been very reliable. It means women don’t need to travel out of town, and that’s a big difference for them and their families.”