A multi-million naira lithotripsy machine that was given to the urology unit of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) by the philanthropist Chairman, Biomedical Pharmaceutical Company Hon. Idowu Obasa has been put into service.
Prof. Akin Abayomi, the commissioner for Health, praised Obasa for his thoughtful act and said that the donated item will improve the State’s ability to provide good healthcare.
During the COVID-19 epidemic, the donor gave a holding bay to LASUTH, according to Prof. Abayomi, who also disclosed that the donor has consistently supported the State Government’s attempts to enhance the health sector.
The Health Commissioner thanked the donor for his compassion and efforts to enhancing the health of Lagosians and urged other well-meaning Nigerians to imitate the nice act and aid the current government in developing infrastructure.
Prof. Adetokunbo Fabamwo, the Chief Medical Director of LASUTH, further said that the hospital has been elevated as a result of the machine’s presentation since LASUTH is now the only public hospital in Nigeria to own it.
Prof. Fabamwo expressed gratitude on behalf of the LASUTH personnel and requested similar contributions from other benefactors in the nation. He also pledged that the hospital would make sure that the donated Lithotripsy Machine is used for the benefit of State citizens.
What is lithotripsy?
Lithotripsy is a medical procedure used to treat certain types of kidney stones and stones in other organs, such as your gallbladder or liver.
Kidney stones occur when minerals and other substances in your urine crystallize in your kidneys, forming solid masses, or stones. These may consist of small, sharp-edged crystals or smoother, heavier formations that resemble polished river rocks. They usually exit your body naturally during urination.
However, sometimes your body can’t pass larger formations through urination. This can lead to kidney damage. People with kidney stones may experience bleeding, severe pain, or urinary tract infections. When stones begin to cause these types of problems, your doctor may suggest lithotripsy.
How does lithotripsy work?
Lithotripsy uses sound waves to break up large kidney stones into smaller pieces. These sound waves are also called high-energy shock waves. The most common form of lithotripsy is extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL).
Extracorporeal means “outside the body.” In this case, it refers to the source of the shock waves. During ESWL, a special machine called a lithotripter generates the shock waves. The waves travel into your body and break apart the stones.
ESWL has been around since the early 1980s. It quickly replaced surgery as the treatment of choice for larger kidney stones. ESWL is a noninvasive procedure, which means it doesn’t require surgery. Noninvasive procedures are generally safer and easier to recover from than invasive procedures.
Lithotripsy takes about 45 minutes to an hour to perform. You’ll likely be given some form of anesthesia (local, regional, or general) so you don’t experience any pain.
After the procedure, stone debris is removed from your kidneys or ureter, the tube leading from your kidney to your bladder, through urination.
