Poised to alleviate the burden of kidney stones, gallstones and urinary bladder stones among patients without surgical procedures, the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) has acquired a multi-million naira Lithotripsy Machine, making it the first public hospital in Nigeria to own such medical equipment.
The Chief Medical Director, LASUTH, Prof. Adetokunbo Fabamwo, disclosed this on Sunday, 4 September, 2022, during the presentation and commissioning of the machine.
He said it was donated to LASUTH’s Urology Unit by a Lagos philanthropist, Mr Idowu Obasa.
A Lithotripsy Machine is used for the treatment of kidney stones, gallstones, and urinary bladder stones by sending focused ultrasonic energy or shock waves directly to the stone first located with fluoroscopy or ultrasound.
Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, while commissioning the machine, applauded the donor, Obasa for his kind gesture, adding that the donated item would enhance effective healthcare delivery to the people of the state.
Abayomi revealed that the donor has always supported the state government in its efforts to improve the health sector, noting that he donated a holding bay to LASUTH during the COVID-19 pandemic.
While appreciating the donor for his generosity and contributions towards improving the health of Lagosians, the Health Commissioner called on other well-meaning Nigerians to emulate the kind gesture and support the present administration on infrastructure development.
Similarly, Fabamwo promised that the hospital would ensure that the donated Lithotripsy Machine is put to good use for the benefit of residents in the State. He further expressed appreciation on behalf of LASUTH staff and called for similar donations from other philanthropists in the country.
Also speaking, the Head of the Urology Unit, LASUTH, Dr Adeola Badmus, stated that the machine will further enhance the capability of the unit to effectively carry out its surgeries with precision and accuracy.
Obasa, in his response, narrated his experience of how he was treated many years ago in India with a Lithotripsy Machine, stressing that the experience motivated him to donate the equipment to LASUTH.
The machine avoids surgical operations of patients who need to have stones removed from their kidneys, gull bladder or urinary bladder by breaking the stones into particles and passing them out naturally.
