Laser machine cuts wait time at Canterbury Hospital

Anyone who has experienced kidney stones can sympathise with its painful symptoms however a first-of-its-kind laser machine at Canterbury Hospital has sped up treatment for local patients.

The $66,067 Holmium Laser machine, donated by Canterbury League Club as part of an ongoing partnership with Canterbury Hospital to support the local community, has helped minimise patients being referred to more distant hospitals and reduced wait times for patients coming in for treatment of their kidney stones.

“Previously the hospital had to refer kidney stone cases for treatment out to other hospitals so the laser has made a huge difference to the service we are able to provide the local community,” said Dr Dinesh Patel, Surgeon and Head of Urology at Canterbury Hospital.

“This surgery is very safe and precise, and there is an extremely high rate of success in clearing stones completely. Operating time is usually around 30-60 minutes and most patients can go home 3-4 hours after their operation. Most patients can return to their normal activities or work within 1-2 days of their surgery.”

The machine, used weekly on patients since it was purchased in February, works by using a very slender and flexible scope and a fine laser to break up kidney stones in the urinary tract. Patients then naturally pass the stones or for larger ones, the scope has a small basket that can capture and remove it once the scope is retracted.

“Canterbury has been a proud sponsor of the hospital for a number of years now because the general health and wellbeing of our local community is an important aspect of the Club’s give back program. The hospital can now provide a vital service to their patients in a timely manner, and most importantly, within easy access to people living in the local area,” said Dr George Peponis OAM, Chairman of Canterbury League Club.