Dr. Jibrin Bara, Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) in Bauchi, has revealed that the hospital has successfully completed 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 stated that the hospital successfully carried out over 30 laser surgeries between November 2023 and June 2024.
The CMD showed that ATBUTH was the first health centre in the Northeast to offer laser treatment for kidney stones.
“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 increase the capacity of the staff, share information and experience, and improve hospital services.
Dr Evaristus Azobah, a urologist at the hospital, stated that the workshop aimed to bring together trained urologist surgeons for the benefit 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 thanked ATBUTH’s management for creating an enabling environment for the workshop to be held in the facility.
According to Dr Shuaibu Ismail, a participant, the workshop was part of the country’s Urological Surgeons’ calendar of activities.
He stated that the programme would provide opportunities to learn new talents and improve existing ones.
Ismail stated that it would also promote the exchange of ideas, experiences, and expertise among participants about the urinary tract and male reproductive organs, among other things.