BY TONY IROGA
A woman who suffered from severe kidney stone pain for more than a year is now recovering after doctors at the National Referral Hospital (NRH) successfully carried out a complex minimally invasive surgery using advanced dual-endoscope technology.
In a statement released yesterday, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) said the operation was performed by the 5th China Medical Team in Solomon Islands in partnership with local medical staff.
According to MHMS, the patient had both kidney and ureteral stones, as well as severe swelling of the kidney caused by blocked urine flow.
“The first doctors treated a serious kidney infection by inserting a stent and providing drainage and antibiotics before carrying out the main surgery,” MHMS said.
The 90-minute operation was led by Chinese urologist Dr. Zhang Faming, assisted by local surgeon Dr. Melly and Chinese nurse Xie Guofeng.
Using two endoscopes and a holmium laser, the team successfully removed all the stones with minimal blood loss.
Dr. Zhang said PCNL is a globally preferred minimally invasive treatment for complex kidney stones because it causes less trauma and allows patients to recover faster.
MHMS said the surgery was also an important training opportunity for local doctors.
Local surgeon Dr. Melly said the successful operation marks a significant achievement for the hospital.
“This patient waited one year for this procedure, and we are so glad we could deliver a successful surgery for her at last,” Dr. Melly said.
MHMS said the patient recovered well without complications and was discharged five days after surgery after scans confirmed that all the stones had been removed.
Leader of the 5th China Medical Team, Chu Liangzhao, said the operation highlighted the value of medical innovation and strengthened health cooperation between Solomon Islands and China.
MHMS described the successful procedure as a milestone for urology services in Solomon Islands, saying it improves the country’s ability to carry out advanced minimally invasive surgeries while building the skills of local medical specialists.
Photo credit: MHMS
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