The new ESWL machine at the HMC lithotripsy unit
The Hamad Medical Corporation’s lithotripsy unit has acquired the latest version of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) machine, which offers non-invasive treatment of kidney stones.
The ESWL machine uses shock waves from outside the body to break the stones. The unit, which has received the support of Commercialbank Qatar on its expansion drive, is also expecting another new machine in three months, which will replace the old one. “This non-invasive procedure means there is less risk for the patient compared to surgery to remove the stones. We are breaking the stones without surgery, so there is no cutting or bleeding, and the patient can see immediate results,” Urology section head and consultant urologist Dr Abdulla al-Naimi said.He said the procedure takes about 45 to 60 minutes depending on the size of the stones, and the patient can go home on the same day after being observed for two to three hours. “We first started using this technology in the 90s. We acquired our second machine in 2004, and we now have the latest machine,” Dr al-Naimi said.He said the one-month waiting time at the unit is expected to reduce to one week soon. “We have been delivering a good number of procedures per day, which is about eight to ten cases. This new development will enhance our capacity and help us increase the number of procedures we can do, further improving the waiting time for patients in need of this procedure,” he said.The Corp recently honoured Commercialbank for its contribution towards the expansion of the lithotripsy unit located at the Hamad Hospital.The honouring ceremony, which coincided with the launch of the newly expanded facility, was attended by HMC managing director Dr Hanan al-Kuwari, Abdulla al-Raisi of the Commercialbank and other HMC clinicians and executives.“We extend our earnest gratitude to the management of the bank for their important role in this project. This helps us achieve our aim to provide the most advanced healthcare technology and equipment at HMC, and enables our clinicians and other healthcare providers to deliver the best care possible to the people of Qatar,” Dr al-Kuwari said.The newly expanded lithotripsy unit now includes a larger waiting area, reception area and preparation area, which now accommodates four beds. Urology section assistant head Dr Khalid al-Rumaihi said besides lithotripsy, the unit can also now perform other procedures such as endoscopy. “We are happy that HMC is committed to providing state-of-the-art facilities and services for our patients. These developments will enable us to deliver even better services and care to our patients, and to cope with the increase in population in Qatar,” he  said.