The St. Maarten Medical Center has expanded its services. The Urologist, Dr. Diego Ramos, has recently added several new surgical procedures to the department. The specialist, who began his tenure at the SMMC last year, has worked continuously to develop the Urology department to a standard that can facilitate much needed treatment to all patients.
With the introduction of this new service, new equipment was required. In October of 2017 the hospital received new laser equipment. 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.
Recently, the department acquired another innovative device. The new system delivers high-resolution digital images for high-quality visualization 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.
The Urologist expressed that the laser surgeries are minimally invasive and provide better treatment solutions for stones, strictures, soft tissue and tumors. 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 2 to 3 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 their roster of care. These new advancements in the urological department further underline the continued progression of SMMC’s commitment to growth, as it prepares for the new hospital.