As part of the continuing expansion of surgical services at Parkview LaGrange Hospital, new laser techniques are now available for two common urinary conditions.
Holmium Laser provides greater precision in removal of kidney stones
Most kidney stones are small enough to pass safely through your system on their own. Your doctor may suggest pain medication and encourage you to drink plenty of caffeine-free fluids to help the stone pass. Some stones, however, may require additional treatment due to their size or location.
Holmium laser technology offers a minimally invasive option for many patients. The laser’s precision allows the surgeon to break the stones into smaller pieces that are passed more easily. Most patients are able to return to their usual routines within a day or two of surgery.
Patients whose stones are in or near the kidney may require traditional lithotripsy or an open surgical procedure, both of which are available at Parkview LaGrange Hospital.
GreenLight laser offers effective treatment for enlarged prostate
Non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland is common among men in their middle 50’s and beyond. The condition, also called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), may obstruct the urinary channel, causing a variety of symptoms, including painful burning during urination and an urgent need to urinate.
Treatments vary depending on the symptoms and their degree. “Watchful waiting” is often the initial treatment for BPH when a patient’s symptoms are mild or can be managed with medications. If symptoms increase in severity or result in frequent urinary infections, further treatment may be recommended by the physician.
Depending on the degree and location of the blockage caused by the enlarged prostate, GreenLight laser surgery (also known as PVP) may be an effective option. The laser removes prostate tissue that is blocking the urethra.
There is less bleeding with the laser procedure as well as reduced incidence of sexual or urinary dysfunction than with traditional surgery. Many patients are able to go home the same day as their surgery.
Traditional surgery is the best option for some patients with BPH because of the location or extent of the blockage. This surgery, called a transurethral resection of prostate or TURP, is done as an inpatient procedure. Patients generally need to spend 2-3 days in the hospital after surgery.
Advances in services and technology continue at Parkview LaGrange
In the year and a half since the completion of the new Parkview LaGrange Hospital building, expansion of services and technology has continued as the needs of the community has grown. Among the additions have been:
• Equipment and technology to support surgeries for total joint replacements and orthopaedic trauma procedures
• Advanced diagnostics including DEXA scans for osteoporosis and a C-arm mobile fluoroscopy unit for surgical cases
• Growth in surgical services to include orthopaedics, gynecology and podiatry
• Expanded access to clinical services including the addition of a wound care clinic, diabetes education programs and the availability of inpatient rehabilitation six days a week
Parkview LaGrange Hospital is a not-for-profit community hospital and is licensed as a 25-bed critical access hospital to provide acute care services to the people of LaGrange County and surrounding communities. In July of 2008 Parkview LaGrange opened its new, $25 million hospital facility. In addition to the full range of general acute care services offered by Parkview LaGrange, an electronic intensive care unit (eICU) with its eICU robot – a hallmark of all Parkview Health hospitals – has brought another, higher level of care to the people of LaGrange County. Current services include EMS and emergency care; ambulatory and inpatient surgery; endoscopy; medical-surgical care, a swing bed program and maternity. Ancillary and outpatient services offered include a full service laboratory; advanced diagnostic imaging including CT and a fixed MRI unit; rehabilitation therapy; a sleep lab; and physician specialty clinics (including cardiology, gynecology and orthopaedics). Parkview LaGrange is a member of Parkview Health, a family of hospitals and healthcare services covering a 15 county region in northeastern Indiana and western Ohio. With over 190 employees, Parkview LaGrange Hospital's mission is to provide trusted quality care and to improve the health of the communities it serves.