LASUTH begins laser treatment for kidney stones

THE Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) has again led public health institutions as it successfully performed its first laser lithotripsy on the October 28, 2021. LASUTH, being the only state tertiary institution now has a full upper tract endoscopic and laser facility which can be accessible by the residents of Lagos states and its environs.

According to the Professor of Urology, LASUTH, Stephen Odunayo Ikuerowo, the LASER (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) treatment will save patients the pain of opening up their upper urinary tract during surgery.

He explained that the laser treatment is deployed through the urinary tract of the patient where the stone is broken and flushed out. He confirmed that LASUTH is the first public hospital to deploy laser treatment for kidney stones in Lagos, and arguably in Nigeria.

Speaking on the cost implication of the treatment, he noted that the treatment in hospitals outside Nigeria takes a huge chunk from patients’ finances. However comparatively, patients in LASUTH would pay less than half of what obtains in private hospitals in the country.

A consultant urologist at the unit, Dr Oluwaseun Akinola explained what this new development means for the health care system in Lagos and Nigeria as a whole. According to him, “before now, the care for kidney stones had not been readily accessible but the present management of LASUTH has now made it possible as the first surgery was carried out by a complete team of local health professionals.”

He pointed out that this new development for patients would mean access to more affordable health care, less scars and a faster recovery rate that allows patients to leave for their homes in two days.

Dr Akinola, therefore, encouraged the general public to care for themselves by making it a habit to drink at least three litres of water on a daily basis since ninety per cent of kidney stone cases are caused by dehydration.

He further charged the public to visit the hospital immediately they feel abnormal pains because if left untreated, kidney stones could develop into serious diseases that may cause total kidney collapse and eventual loss.

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