Free Kidney Stone Removal Laser Surgery (Lithotripsy) at JPMC-Patients’ Aid Foundation
Kidney stone disease is a widespread condition that affects approximately 12% of the population in Pakistan (NIH). Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that form in the kidneys; they are also called renal calculi. Often, these stones remain undetected until they cause intense pain or block the urinary tract. When stones obstruct the renal pelvis or pass through the ureter, they can lead to debilitating pain, urinary tract infections, kidney damage, and, in severe cases, kidney failure.
Kidney stones bring excruciating pain that is unbearable. Thanks to advancements in medical technology, treatment has become more efficient and patient-friendly. One such breakthrough is Lithotripsy, a non-invasive procedure that uses high-energy shock waves to break kidney stones into smaller pieces, allowing them to pass easily through the urinary tract. This innovative treatment offers quicker recovery times and less pain compared to traditional surgeries. At Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), thanks to the generous support of the Patients’ Aid, a state-of-the-art Lithotripsy machine is now offering free treatment to patients suffering from kidney stones.
What is Lithotripsy?
Lithotripsy is a medical procedure used to treat kidney stones by using high-energy shock waves to break them into smaller, more manageable pieces. These fragments can then be passed out of the body through the urinary tract, significantly reducing the need for invasive surgery.
The procedure typically takes between 30 minutes to 2 hours. However, it may not be effective for larger stones, which may require alternative treatments like laser lithotripsy or percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (PCNL).
Types of Lithotripsy:
There are three main types of Lithotripsy used to treat kidney stones, each suited to different sizes and locations of stones:
- Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): This is the most common non-invasive method used for smaller stones, typically 2 cm or less. Shock waves are generated outside the body and directed at the stones, breaking them into smaller fragments that can then pass through the urinary tract naturally. It is highly effective for smaller stones and requires no incisions, offering a faster recovery time.
- Laser Lithotripsy: This technique is typically used for larger stones or those located in the ureter or bladder. A laser fiber is passed through a thin tube (a cystoscopy or ureteroscopy) into the urinary tract, where it directly targets and breaks the stone into smaller pieces. Laser lithotripsy is particularly useful for stubborn stones that are harder to treat with shock waves and is often used when ESWL is not effective.
- Percutaneous Nephrolithotripsy (PCNL): This is a more invasive procedure used for very large or complex stones that cannot be treated effectively with ESWL or laser lithotripsy. A small incision is made in the skin, and a tube is inserted directly into the kidney to break up the stone using ultrasonic or laser energy. The stone fragments are then removed through the same tube. PCNL is often used for stones larger than 2 cm or for those located in difficult-to-reach areas of the kidney.
Each type of Lithotripsy is selected based on factors such as the size, location, and hardness of the kidney stone, as well as the patient’s overall health. The procedure uses advanced imaging techniques to precisely target the stones, minimizing damage to surrounding tissues. As a non-invasive or minimally invasive treatment, Lithotripsy requires no cuts or incisions, which results in quicker recovery times and less discomfort compared to traditional surgery.
Patients’ Aid’s Role in Providing Free Lithotripsy for Needy Kidney Patients at JPMC
At Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), the availability of this top notch technology is made possible through the generous support of Patients’ Aid Foundation, who have facilitated the acquisition of Lithotripsy machines and since then over 1500+ surgeries have been performed. This has enabled JPMC to provide free treatment for kidney stones, offering accessible, life-changing care to patients in need who would otherwise be unable to afford medical assistance.
These patients often come from underprivileged backgrounds and remote areas of Pakistan, where access to healthcare is limited and financial constraints are a significant barrier. Thanks to the Patients’ Aid, more people now have access to advanced treatments that can prevent further complications and improve their health outcomes.
If you believe in making a difference, consider donating to Patients’ Aid to support their efforts in providing free, life-saving medical care to those who need it most. Your Sadaqah/Zakat can help expand access to cutting-edge treatments like Lithotripsy and improve the lives of countless individuals in our community.
Help transform lives at JPMC through generous donation to Patients’ Aid
Advances in medical technology have significantly improved the quality of care at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), bringing new hope to patients suffering from kidney stones and other critical conditions. With the support of Patients’ Aid, JPMC has been able to offer free lithotripsy, Dialysis, blood transfusions for thalassemia patients, and comprehensive cancer care, ensuring that life-saving treatments are accessible to those who otherwise might not receive the care they desperately need. These services are a lifeline for patients from underprivileged backgrounds visiting JPMC from Karachi, interior Sind and Baluchistan.
At the heart of Patients’ Aid’s healthcare revolution at JPMC is the spirit of giving. Every given rupee can change lives. Your generosity provides more than just treatment, it offers a second chance to those in need, hope to families in crisis, and a future to those enduring hardship. Your support restores dignity, brings relief, and enables patients to heal.
Now is the time to act. By supporting the Patients’ Aid Foundation, you help accelerate life-saving care for those who need it most. Together, we can create a better society where we bring hope to those who need it most.
No contribution is too small to make an impact. Your generosity provides not just care, but a renewed sense of hope and a path to recovery.
Join us today in Patients’ Aid Mission ‘ Humanity meets Healthcare’. Donate generously!
