No-surgery kidney stone removal at UCPI

Non-surgical removal of kidney, ureter and bladder stones is now faster, painless and more affordable through the Urology Center of the Philippines Inc. (UCPI).

Dubbed as "the leader in no-surgery stone removal," UCPI boasts of state-of-the-art facilities for the effective treatment of urinary stones at no exorbitant cost normally associated with the procedure.

Using the latest technology abroad and supported by a team of highly trained professionals experienced in extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), UCPI can effectively remove urinary stones on an out-patient basis in 30 to 40 minutes.

Compared to surgery, which usually requires a four- to six-week recovery period, ESWL uses invisible shock waves to shatter stones without damaging other vital organs. Because the procedure is fast, safe and painless, patients can get back to work the next day.

As proof of its commitment to quality care for patients, UCPI has achieved many firsts in lithotripsy technology since it opened its doors to the public in October 1995.

It was the first to acquire the Econolith 2000 in 1996. In 1997, it got the first Direx Compact in the Philippines and the first Sonolith Praktis in 1999. Just recently, UCPI introduced the first Dornier Compact Delta in the country.

All these modern ESWL equipment are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and used by leading urologists worldwide.

In January 1999, UCPI also launched its provincial health care provider – the Urovan. This fully equipped mobile urology center is the first in Asia and currently serves the needs of patients in Luzon who cannot come to Manila.

In addition, UCPI also provides comprehensive laboratory services like X-ray, ultrasound, ECG, urologic endoscopy, pre-employment screening, executive check-up, and minor and laser surgery.

It serves as the home of the Philippine Center for Dermatology and Laser Surgery Inc. Its multi-specialty clinics in ENT, general surgery, internal medicine, nephrology, obstetrics and gynecology, ophthalmology, orthopedic surgery, pediatrics, plastic and reconstructive surgery, pulmonology, urology and thoracic surgery are staffed by competent and friendly doctors. For in-patients who require special care, UCPI recently inaugurated its fully air-conditioned, seven-bed hospital.

UCPI is headed by Drs. Jesus Benjamin Mendoza, chairman, and Ponciano Bernardo Jr., president. Other officers are Drs. Buenaventura Jose Reyes, vice president; Antonio Anastacio, secretary; Eduardo Gatchalian, treasurer; and Nelson Patron, Danilo Mariano, Pedro Lantin III and Lester Garcia, board members.

For more information, visit UCPI at 132 Kalayaan Avenue, Quezon City (435-2617 to 18, 924-2369, 920-0959, 925-1096) or its branch at the ground floor of Manila Doctors Hospital, United Nations Avenue, Manila (521-4230, 526-3714) or e-mail at [email protected]. For Urovan inquiries, call 927-2213.