ATBUTH performs first ‘kidney stones’ laser surgery

The Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi, says it has successfully performed maiden laser surgery to remove kidney stones.

The surgery involves the application of endoscopic and laser facilities instead of instruments for surgical procedures to remove kidney stones.

The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the hospital, Dr. Jibrin Bara, who stated this on Tuesday in Bauchi, said that ATBU was the first health facility to have laser treatment for kidney stones in the North-East region.

“The hospital now has a full upper tract endoscopic and laser facility that residents and others could access without going abroad,” he said.

He said that residents would enjoy subsidies considering the high cost of accessing treatment in hospitals outside the region or Nigeria.

Bara said the feat achieved would translate into accessing more affordable healthcare and faster recovery for patients.

Dr. Evaristus Azobah, a urologist, said the presence of kidney stones in the human body causes immense pain and discomfort.

“It becomes essential to get rid of the stones so that the normal activities of life continue uninterrupted.

“The laser lithotripsy treatment will save patients the pain of opening up their upper urinary tract during surgery,” he said.

According to Azobah, lithotripsy is a treatment using ultrasound shock waves to break kidney stones into smaller particles that the body can pass out.

He lauded the management of the hospital over the introduction of laser surgery treatment, adding that it would go a long way in saving the cost for the patients.

Also, Dr. Makama Baje, Head of Department Surgery, ATBUTH, commended the urologist for the successful surgical operation and mentoring other staff of the hospital.