A new, more powerful laser for kidney stones at SHN Centenary
The Clarion Magneto laser has arrived at SHN Centenary. Our urologists used it for the first time today to break up kidney and ureter stones.
Announcement
New digital scopes for bladder and kidney care
We have just added 15 new digital cystoscopes and 2 new digital ureteroscopes from Karl Storz, and they are already in use. These are state-of-the-art scopes, and they give our urologists a clearer view than ever inside the bladder, the urethra and the kidney.
What these scopes are for
A cystoscope is a thin, bendable tube with a camera. Your urologist passes it into the urethra (the tube you urinate through) to look inside the bladder. It is usually done in the clinic with numbing gel, and it takes only a few minutes. We use cystoscopy to:
- find the cause of blood in the urine
- check for bladder cancer, and keep watch after treatment
- look for a narrow spot in the urethra, called a urethral stricture
- take out a stent after stone surgery
A ureteroscope is longer and thinner. It goes up past the bladder into the ureter (the tube from the kidney to the bladder) and into the kidney itself. It is the main tool for treating kidney stones. Your urologist finds the stone with the scope, then breaks it up with a laser, like our new Magneto laser.
Why digital matters
- A camera right at the tip. Older scopes send the picture back through thousands of tiny glass fibres. That can make the image look grainy, a bit like looking through a screen door. Digital scopes have a tiny camera at the very tip, so the picture is sharp and clear.
- Easier to see small things. A clearer view helps your urologist spot small bladder tumours, small areas of concern and tiny pieces of stone.
- More scopes, less waiting. Every scope must be fully cleaned and sterilized after each patient. Having more scopes helps keep clinics and the operating room running on time.
What it means for you
If you are booked for a cystoscopy or ureteroscopy, nothing changes in how you get ready. The procedure is the same. The difference is in how clearly your urologist can see.
Helping bring new technology to Scarborough
People in Scarborough deserve modern care close to home. Gifts to SHN Foundation help bring new equipment, new spaces and better care to Scarborough's hospitals. To support local health care, visit the Foundation's Love, Scarborough campaign. If someone at SHN cared for you, you can thank them with a gift in their honour through With Gratitude.
Your support makes a real difference to the care your neighbours receive.
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