The Department of Urologic Sciences brings together a collaborative group of urologists dedicated to the care of kidney stone patients. Through the Acute Stone Centre based at VGH, the team serves as British Columbia’s primary provider for stone care, disease prevention and research.
The Acute Stone Centre unites the skills of urology and radiology to optimize timely access to kidney stone treatment. The centre utilizing the latest technology in their diagnosis, treatment and disease prevention protocol, including; the extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) machine, holmium: YAG lasers, ultrasonic and pneumatic lithotripsy devices, flexible and semi-rigid ureteroscopes, and nephroscopes.
Under the direction of Drs. Paterson, Chew and Teichman, new research is directed towards ESWL, laser lithotripsy, emerging laser technologies, ureteral stents compositions, infection, antibiotics, and preventative therapies.
Managed by Dr. Dirk Lange, the Stone Centre research laboratory in collaboration with other centres in Canada and the United States continues to be a leader in the development of urinary tract stents. Additionally, studies continue to evaluate the role bowel bacterial flora plays in the development of kidney stone disease; peri-operative strategies to prevent early recurrence of infection stones; and device development and testing of novel endoscopes and stone treatment accessories.
The outcomes for stone patients continue to improve, thanks in part to the ongoing collaboration between urology and nephrology, a commitment to research and development and continual technological advances.
http://stonecentrevgh.ca/
