What is ultrasound-guided barbotage?

Ultrasound-guided barbotage is a procedure where ultrasound imaging is used to view calcific deposits within a tendon and a needle introduced through the skin to break up said calcific deposits that might be causing pain and mobility issues. Using ultrasound imaging allows doctors to accurately pinpoint the calcium deposits.

Why do you need ultrasound-guided barbotage?

When calcium builds up on a tendon, it can sometimes causes pain. This condition is referred to as calcific tendinitis or calcific tendonosis. Calcific tendinitis can happen in the rotator cuff of the shoulder joint and cause shoulder pain as well as difficulty raising the arm. Ultrasound-guided barotage breaks up the calcific deposits, removes the pain and has faster recovery compared to treatments such as arthroscopy or surgery.

What can you expect when undergoing ultrasound-guided barbotage?

During Ultrasound-Guided Barbotage

The area on the shoulder is cleaned and injected with a local anaesthesia to numb the area. Warm gel is then applied to the area and an ultrasound transducer (wand) is glided over the surface of your skin to capture images of the tendon and pinpoint the location of the calcified deposits. A needle will then be inserted into your skin and the calcification, breaking up the calcium into little pieces. Pieces that are liquid in consistency will be aspired. A small amount of steroid medication will then be injected to help reduce inflammation.

After Ultrasound-Guided Barbotage

It is normal to feel soreness in the area when the anaesthetic wears off. Your doctor may prescribe painkillers for you to manage the pain. Besides elevating your shoulder, you can also ice the area to reduce swelling. A follow-up appointment may be arranged by your doctors three weeks after the procedure.

Why choose Novena Surgery for ultrasound-guided barbotage?

Doctors who choose to perform ultrasound-guided barbotage at Novena Surgery will perform the procedure in one of four modular operating theaters with cable-less pendant systems, allowing doctors to operate free of stray wiring obstruction.

Post-procedure, patients can choose to recover in one of Novena Surgery’s comfortable private suites, or in our 12-bed recovery unit under the care of well-trained nursing staff.

Waiting times are also shortened as patients need only turn up half-an-hour before their surgery, and be checked into the ward within 10 minutes of arrival. 

Patients’ companions have the option of patronising Velocity, Square and Square 2 shopping malls that are seamlessly integrated with Novena Medical Centre, the building housing Novena Surgery.

I want to undergo ultrasound-guided barbotage in Novena Surgery but I do not have a specialist doctor in mind yet.

This list consists of specialists who commonly perform ultrasound-guided barbotage at Novena Surgery – contact us at +65-6254 9331 or admin@novenasurgery.com.sg and we will help you book a consultation appointment with a specialist doctor from the list.

Name of Specialist ClinicName of Specialist DoctorSpecialist Clinic AddressSpecialist Clinic Opening Hours
Centurion
Orthopaedic Centre
Dr Ang Chia Liang38 Irrawaddy Road, Mt Elizabeth Novena Hospital Specialist Centre, #07-40, Singapore 329563
Monday to Friday: 9:00am to 6:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am to 1:00pm
Sun & Public Holiday: Closed
Lifescan ImagingDr Kenneth SheahNovena Medical Centre, #08-02/03/04, 10 Sinaran Drive, Singapore 307506Monday – Friday : 8.30am – 5.30pm
Saturday : 8.30am – 12.30pm
Closed on Sunday & Public Holiday

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