THE Lapu-Lapu City Hospital (LLCH) has taken a major step forward in local healthcare. On February 8, 2026, the hospital successfully performed its first surgery using advanced C-arm imaging technology during a gallbladder removal.
This milestone marks a new era for the facility, bringing high-tech medical tools directly to the local community.
The surgery featured a technique called intraoperative cholangiography. Using the hospital’s newly purchased C-arm machine, doctors were able to see real-time images while they operated.
During the procedure, a special dye outlines the bile ducts to show a clear map of the area. This allows surgeons to find gallstones with incredible accuracy and reduces the risk of accidental injury to surrounding organs.
“Committed to better care”
LLCH Administrator Lynart Kevin Omnes said the achievement reflects the hospital’s mission to invest in modern technology for the safety of its patients.
“Our goal is to consistently provide accessible, innovative, and high quality healthcare to our community, ensuring that every patient receives the best possible treatment,” Omnes said.
The administrator noted that these improvements were made possible through the support of the City Government, adding that Mayor Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” Chan has prioritized new healthcare initiatives for the city.
Expanding medical services
This isn't the first time the hospital has used this new equipment. In January, the LLCH completed its first major orthopedic surgery using the same C-arm technology.
Beyond gallbladder and bone surgeries, the hospital now uses this imaging tool for several other important procedures, including:
[]Nephrostomy tube insertion;
[]Cholecystostomy tube insertion; and
[]Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage.
Looking ahead
The LLCH is a government-run, 150-bed facility located in Barangay Gun-ob. While it currently operates as a Level 1 hospital—the most basic category for licensed hospitals—these high-tech milestones show a clear path toward more advanced care.
By bringing specialized technology to a local setting, the hospital is ensuring that residents can receive precise and safe surgical treatments close to home. / DPC