By Ahmed Ahmed
Surgery Dr Jibrin Bara, Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi, has disclosed that the hospital has successfully performed over 30 laser surgeries to remove kidney stones in eight months.
Bara, spoke at a 2-day workshop for Nigeria Association of Urological Surgeons (NAUS) 2nd quarter endourological on Monday in Bauchi.
He said the hospital has successfully performed over 30 laser surgeries between November 2023 and June 2024.
The CMD revealed that ATBUTH was the first health facility to have laser treatment for kidney stones in the Northeastern region.
“The hospital now has a full upper tract endoscopic and laser facility that residents and others could access without going abroad,” he said.
According to him, the workshop will build the capacity of the staff, share knowledge and experience, adding that the workshop will enhance the hospital services.
An Urologist at the hospital, Dr Evaristus Azobah, said the workshop was to bring together trained urologist surgeons together for the usefulness of the hospital.
“To focus on the surgical and medical management of diseases and disorders related to the urinary tract and male reproductive system.
“Urologists are trained to perform various surgical procedures, both minimally invasive and open surgeries,
“The workshop is also meant to develop skills to address conditions affecting the urinary tract and male reproductive organs.
“This can include procedures like kidney stone removal (lithotripsy), prostatectomy removal of the prostate gland, cystectomy (bladder removal) and vasectomy; male sterilization,” he said.
Dr Azobah appreciated the management of ATBUTH for providing the enabling environment to conduct the workshop in the facility.
Dr Shuaibu Ismail, a participant, said the workshop was part of the calendar activities of the year of Urological Surgeons in the country.
He said the workshop would provide opportunities to learn new skills or improve existing ones.
Ismail said that it would also facilitate the exchange of ideas, experiences, and expertise among participants’ urinary tract and male reproductive organs among others,” he said. (NA