A KIDNEY stone is a solid matter in the kidney, formed from crystals in the urine that stick together. These vary in shape and size as well as their composition. Some stones do not cause any symptoms while there are some that cause severe pain in the flank or in the lower back. Diagnostic tests for detecting kidney stones include ultrasound, x-ray and CT scan.
There are various treatment options for the treatment of kidney stones depending on the size, location and composition of stone. These treatment options range from medical management to minimally invasive procedures as well as open surgery.
One of the minimally invasive procedures for treatment of kidney stones is the Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy or ESWL. This was introduced in the 1980's a non invasive procedure to treat stones in the kidney and ureter. Stone fragmentation is done by using shock waves. The stone fragments are then passed out in the urine. However, this is only used in select stones in the kidney and ureter and therefore is not applicable for all stone types or locations.
The Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) received a welcome addition to the institution's armamentarium for the treatment of kidney stones. The SPMC Stone Unit was inaugurated on February 11, 2015 at the SPMC-JICA building.
The blessing and ribbon cutting ceremony was led by the SPMC Chief of Hospital, Dr. Leopoldo Vega and SPMC Urology Section Head, Dr. Victor Espino.
The SPMC Stone Unit has the state of the art Siemens Modularis Lithotripsy System.
With this new facility, SPMC will be able to provide an additional option for the treatment of kidney stones.
SPMC Section of Urology Staff
Section Head: Victor Espino, MD, FPUA, FPCS
Training Officer: Michael Jonathan Latayan, MD, FPUA, FPCS
Consultants: Manuel Belisario, MD, FPUA, FPCS
Herman Sorongon, MD, FPUA, FPCS
Julius dela Victoria, MD, FPUA, FPCS
Manuel Gerard Sevilla, MD
Fellows: Luis Antonio Balajadia, MD
Al-Widzrin Jupli, MD