In a significant medical breakthrough, the urology department at Damietta General Hospital in Egypt successfully performed the first-ever minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (Mini-PCNL) procedure with enhanced suction. This advanced surgery was conducted on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, under the leadership of Dr. Yousuf Aboul-Azm, a consultant and head of the urology department. The procedure was made possible through the collaborative efforts of a skilled team of doctors, nurses, and technicians.
The Mini-PCNL procedure involves accessing the kidney through a tiny incision in the skin, no larger than 1 cm. This approach allows for efficient fragmentation and removal of kidney stones using laser technology. The technique offers several benefits, including reduced post-operative pain, lower risk of bleeding, and shorter recovery time. The enhanced suction feature further improves visibility during the procedure, facilitating quicker removal of stone fragments and fluids.
The successful surgery was carried out in line with directives from Egyptian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Population, Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, and Damietta Governor, Dr. Hussam الدين Fawzi. The operation was overseen by Dr. Mohamed Abdel Khalak, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health in Damietta, and Dr. Mohamed El-Sayed El-Ban, Director of Damietta General Hospital.
The medical team that performed the surgery included Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim Zakriya, Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim Kamal, and Dr. Ahmed Hawza, all specialists in urology. Anesthesia was provided by Dr. Mohamed Mansour, a specialist in anesthesia, and Dr. Ammar Ezzat, a resident anesthesiologist. Nursing staff, including Ms. Ayesha Al-Ayyouti, supervisor of the urology department, and Ms. Mona Al-Nanai, operating room supervisor, played crucial roles in the procedure.
The introduction of the Mini-PCNL procedure at Damietta General Hospital marks a significant enhancement of urological services in the region. This advanced technique allows patients to receive specialized treatment locally, reducing the need for referrals to other facilities. The hospital's administration, led by Dr. Mohamed El-Sayed El-Ban, continues to prioritize the development of medical services and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies.
The success of this procedure underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the expertise of the hospital's medical teams. The hospital's management has expressed gratitude to all participating medical, nursing, and technical staff for their contributions to this achievement. Special thanks were extended to Professor Dr. Samir El-Ghobashy, a professor of urology, for his ongoing support and guidance.
The implementation of this advanced procedure aligns with Egypt's efforts to improve healthcare services and provide patients with access to state-of-the-art treatments. Damietta General Hospital's accomplishment demonstrates its commitment to enhancing the quality of care and expanding its range of specialized services.
Key points
- The hospital performed the first-ever Mini-PCNL procedure with enhanced suction.
- The procedure offers several benefits, including reduced post-operative pain and shorter recovery time.
- The success of the surgery highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and expertise in providing advanced medical care.
