CAY HILL--St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) has expanded its services. Urologist Dr. Diego Ramos recently added several new surgical procedures to the Urology Department. The specialist, who began his tenure at SMMC last year, worked continuously to develop the department to a standard that can offer much-needed treatment to all patients.
New equipment was required with the introduction of this new service. The hospital received new laser equipment in October 2017. The system has the capability of addressing a diverse spectrum of urological conditions. It is specially designed for the treatment of kidney/bladder stones and soft tissue, such as the prostate.
The department recently acquired another innovative device. The new system delivers high-resolution digital images for high-quality visualisation and seamless navigation during surgical procedures.
The machine is efficient for use in minimally invasive endoscopic procedures to diagnose and treat stones and other conditions of the kidney, ureter and bladder. This helps the specialist remove kidney stones quickly, easily and safely with the use of a laser. In addition, the system provides better access, diagnosis and treatment of conditions of the urinary tract.
Dr. Ramos said the laser surgeries are minimally invasive and provide better treatment solutions for stones, strictures, soft tissue and tumours. It is common for patients to experience relatively short recovery times after the surgery and they are able to return to their ordinary daily activities within two to three days.
In the past, patients faced no other option than to travel abroad to receive both simple and complex urological treatment options. This marks the first time that the hospital can provide such treatment options within its roster of care.
