RSUD Jusuf SK Tarakan Prepare ESWL, Kidney Stones Can Be Broken Without Surgery

TARAKAN - The Tarakan Dr. H. Jusuf SK Tarakan Hospital, North Kalimantan (Kaltara), is preparing Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) services to treat patients with kidney stones without surgery.

The service uses shock waves from outside the body to break kidney stones into small pieces. The stone fragments are then expected to naturally exit through the urinary tract along with urine.

Acting Director of the RSUD Dr. H. Jusuf SK Tarakan, dr. Budy Azis B, Sp.PK., M.H., said that ESWL does not aim to lift the stone directly, but to break it so that it can follow the flow of urine.

"The purpose of this ESWL procedure is not to be lifted. We estimate that it can be broken with ESWL, which can later follow the flow of urine from the kidney," said Budy, Friday, August 14.

Budy explained that before undergoing the procedure, patients must still undergo a thorough medical examination. The examination includes laboratories, EKG, CT scans, blood tests, urine tests and other supporting examinations.

"Examination is needed to ensure that the patient's condition meets the requirements for undergoing ESWL, including knowing the condition and function of the kidneys and other medical conditions," said Budy.

"Patients who are declared eligible will then undergo an action using a lithotripter machine. The device is positioned according to the location of the stone, then the shock wave is directed to the kidney stone until it is broken into smaller pieces," he continued.

He explained that the ESWL procedure is estimated to last about an hour. In certain conditions, patients also have the opportunity not to undergo hospitalization, depending on the medical condition and the results of the doctor's evaluation.

"The recovery is faster. Other risks are also smaller when compared to invasive actions," he explained.

However, the ESWL service at the RSUD dr. H. Jusuf SK is currently still in the preparation stage. The hospital is still waiting for the credential process from BPJS Kesehatan before the service can be used by National Health Insurance (JKN) participants.

"The presence of ESWL services is expected to expand the access of the Kaltara community to kidney stone treatment. Patients with conditions that require this action will not always have to be referred outside the area," he said.

RSUD dr. H. Jusuf SK targets that ESWL services can become one of the options for treating kidney stones for the Kaltara community after all stages of preparation and credentials are completed.

"The development of this service is also part of the hospital's efforts to strengthen its capacity as one of the health referral centers in Kaltara," he concluded.