Story Posted: 2025-07-17
Making Waves: State-of-the-Art Lithotripter Making a Difference
From the St. Paul’s Hospital and Foundation 2024-2025 Annual Review
In the world of diagnostic imaging, technological advancements play a pivotal role in improving patient care and outcomes. With St. Paul’s Hospital having the only Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripter (ESWL) in the province, it is vital that the technology remains state-of-the-art and an effective treatment option for the people of Saskatchewan.
Lithotripsy is the process of breaking up kidney, ureteric or bladder stones with shock waves under X-ray guidance. “The machine is essential for urologists because it provides a non-invasive way to treat kidney stones,” explains Dr. Varun Bathini, Urologist and Provincial Lead of Surgical Robotics. “Many patients that are eligible for this treatment prefer this method because it is not invasive and can be done outside the Operating Room without a general anesthetic.” This helps to alleviate the number of cases that the Operating Room is required to address, and eliminates the side effects of surgery and anesthesia for patients. The lithotripter allows patients to have a brief procedure with a short recovery period and excellent outcomes, and they are able to return home the same day.
In the spring of 2024, the phenomenal generosity of Leslie and Irene Dubé brought a new Storz lithotripter to St. Paul’s. Dr. Bathini explains that the teams have since been able to increase the number of cases they perform each week, as the new machine is faster and more precise. Between its operationalization on June 1, 2024, and March 11, 2025, a total of 195 lithotripsy procedures were completed at St. Paul’s, with the Nurse Recovery and Medical Imaging teams reporting that patients are experiencing less discomfort with the new machine, and are facing less bruising than before. Additionally, the new lithotripter appears to break up stones faster with excellent results, continuing to help patients avoid surgery. Patients who have undergone procedures with both machines expressed to staff that they preferred their experience with the new machine.
The new lithotripter is offering patients faster, more efficient procedures with fewer risks, less discomfort and shorter recovery times. With its ability to serve patients across the entire province of Saskatchewan, this innovative technology is significantly improving the quality of care and the overall patient experience, making it an invaluable resource for health care providers and patients alike.