Cumming hospital offers 'latest' in technology for urology

As Northside Hospital-Forsyth continues to expand its services, the hospital now offers the "latest" in medical technology for urology.

The OEC UroView 2800 Digital Imaging System for Urology is a state-of-the-art cystoscopy (cysto) system from GE Healthcare that combines a procedural surface and x-ray imaging system into one unit, providing a faster and more comfortable experience for patients. This technology is now available at the new surgery center at Northside Hospital-Forsyth, in a dedicated suite for cystoscopy procedures.

Millions of Americans suffer from bladder problems. Cystoscopy procedures help physicians to view a patient's bladder internally and examine potential problems such as tumors, cancer, stones and inflammation with the hope of creating a better quality of life for the patient.

During a cystoscopic procedure, a four-millimeter cystoscope with a camera attached, is guided into the patient's bladder. For Ureteroscopy (visualizing the ureter or kidney), a longer two-millimeter ureteroscope is introduced through the patient's bladder into the ureter and kidney. The images from the camera and x-ray are displayed on side by side integrated monitors. The technology allows physicians to diagnose and treat, through outpatient and inpatient procedures, a wide range of disorders, anomalies and diseases within the urinary tract.

For physicians at Northside Hospital-Forsyth, the new system makes performing cystoscopic procedures much more efficient. With "hands-free” control of the cystoscopy table and x-ray system via foot pedal operation, physicians are able to access the patient from both sides of the table, allowing a wider range of procedures that physicians can perform without repositioning the patient or anesthesiologist. Previous technology only allowed for a portable x-ray unit to be used, increasing the amount of time it took to perform each procedure. The new technology also provides faster results and higher quality images that allow physicians to see more detail when detecting potential problems.

"What all of this means for patients is that Northside is improving patient safety and quality of healthcare, all while decreasing the amount of time for procedures and creating as comfortable of an experience for our patients as possible,” said Marilyn Kruszka, clinical development specialist of surgical services at Northside Hospital-Forsyth.