St Aidan’s Mission Regional Hospital, which forms part of the King Edward/St Aidan’s Hospital Complex, is the first public sector hospital in South Africa to own two brand new state-of-the-art KARL STORZ C-MAC high definition video cystourethroscopes.
‘These units will make a significant difference to patients as well as surgeons,’ said urology application specialist and senior sales consultant at KARL STORZ Endoscopy South Africa (Pty) Ltd, Mr Michael Nyman, who explained that the C-MAC cystoscope is a medical device used for visual examination of the urinary bladder and urethra.
Urology deals with diseases of the male and female urinary tract, which is the body’s drainage system for removing urine. The urinary tract consists of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder – all of which need to work together in the correct order in order to avoid urologic diseases such as urinary tract cancers, infections, kidney stones, bladder control problems, and prostate problems, among others.
Urology today is inconceivable without the diagnostic and therapeutic techniques of modern endoscopy. Cystoscopy, transurethral resection of the prostate and ureterorenoscopy have become routine procedures and are continuously being improved by new technologies. KARL STORZ has extensive experience that enables it to offer the right solutions for urological procedures, combining proven telescopes and instruments with specially co-ordinated devices.
‘We’re humbled and very grateful to have access to this wonderful new equipment,’ said the Academic Head of UKZN’s Discipline of Urology, Dr Cindy Zietsman, who looks forward to fast-tracking patient treatment, improved early diagnosis of cancer, and accelerating research along with her team of Urology registrars (specialists in training) and consultants that are spread across KwaZulu-Natal’s teaching hospitals: St Aidan’s, King Edward VIII, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central and Greys Hospital in Pietermaritzburg.
St Aidan’s/King Edward Hospital’s Urology Department services nearly 10 000 outpatients per year, with a large proportion presenting with possible bladder tumours. Zietsman said that some patients present with stents that require removal without necessarily needing to be admitted to the hospital nor be under anaesthesia. ‘This new equipment is efficient and a major cost-saving in the long run.’
She added that the high definition screen with advanced imaging will enable improved diagnosis in real-time clinic settings with digital recording possible. ‘It has a built-in light source that is robust and the camera is built into the scope. It is easier to use and master, and it is earmarked for outpatient settings with the advantage of two working instruments, reusable flexible biopsy forceps for diagnosing cancer and flexible grasping-forceps, allowing retrieval of stents or foreign objects from the bladder under local anaesthesia.’
Nyman said that the potential benefits of the STORZ C-MAC cystoscope include:
Improved visualisation: ‘The C-MAC system provides clear, high-quality images, making it easier for medical professionals to diagnose and treat urological conditions. Seeing is believing.’
Versatility: ‘This cystoscope is often compatible with various STORZ C-MAC video laryngoscopes, which means it can be used in different medical procedures and specialties.’
Reduced patient discomfort: ‘Its design aims to minimise patient discomfort during cystoscopy, improving the overall patient experience.’
Durability and reusability: ‘STORZ is known for producing durable medical equipment, and the C-MAC cystoscope is designed for multiple uses, reducing long-term costs.’
Integration with technology: ‘It often offers features for video recording and documentation, which can be valuable for medical records and training purposes.’
‘The units also alleviate the need for a camera head as they have a video chip on the tip of the scope. This means cost savings on extra equipment and additional costs. They also have their own LED light source – yet another saving on equipment and expenditure.’
Portability: ‘The units are all packed into a very robust ergonomic suitcase.’
Lastly, ‘The monitors have an internal battery so they can be used for long periods without being plugged into the power grid, and this means no load shedding issues in the South African context. The system can be routed to a larger monitor via an HDMI cable for teaching and learning situations.’
Words: Lunga Memela