In the bustling garden city of Ōtautahi Christchurch, a local resident received kidney stone treatment on the mobile lithotripsy unit, leaving a story of success and gratitude. Stewart Howden (pictured above) had been grappling with the excruciating pain of a kidney stone for several weeks. However, thanks to the mobile lithotripsy unit that visited his community, his pain is now a distant memory, and he’s back to living his day-to-day life.
Kidney stones are notoriously painful. With a history of kidney stones, Stewart knew straight away when he started to experience severe pain in his lower back and abdomen that he needed medical attention. Years ago, he was admitted to hospital, eventually passing the stone on his own. This time, he was diagnosed with an 11mm kidney stone and recommended lithotripsy as the most effective treatment option.
The lithotripsy unit is a mobile operating theatre equipped with a state-of-the-art lithotripter, the Storz Modulith SLX-F2. Extra Corporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) is the process of introducing a shock wave from a source outside the body. The energy of the shock waves is targeted on a specified kidney stone, and repetitive shock waves break the kidney stone into small fragments during the course of the treatment. The lithotripsy unit is operated by four Medical Imaging Technologists (MITs) who are highly skilled and experienced professionals.
The treatment process itself was swift and painless. Stewart was carefully prepared for the treatment beforehand and made comfortable in the unit. The advanced technology used in lithotripsy ensured that the stone was precisely targeted, and within a short time, the stone had been successfully fragmented.
For Stewart, the treatment and removal of his kidney stone was a game-changer. “I am pain-free and back to my day-to-day life. I am confidently able to go to work knowing I won’t be interrupted by the pain,” he says.
Although he has other multiple stones in both kidneys and will likely be treated on the lithotripsy unit again in the future, Stewart feels at ease knowing that he is in good hands and says he wouldn’t hesitate to have the treatment again.
Reflecting on his experience, he had nothing but praise for the exceptional care he received. He felt that the care and expertise of the staff both on the lithotripsy unit and at Forte Health was of a high standard; and the technology and equipment onboard the mobile lithotripsy unit was “first rate”.
His story is a testament to the power of accessible healthcare and innovative medical solutions that are improving lives in communities across the country.
About Mobile Medical Technology
The mobile lithotripsy unit provides a mobile operating theatre environment with a dedicated lithotripsy machine for the treatment of kidney stones and other calcifications. The lithotripsy unit works on a four-week roster visiting the North Island for three weeks and the South Island for one week; travelling as far north as Whangarei and as far south as Dunedin.
Visit mobilemedical.co.nz for more information.