Korean patient receives urgent ureter-stone surgery at SMU’s integrative hospital

A Korean patient with sudden right lower abdominal pain underwent urgent treatment at Southern Medical University’s integrative medicine hospital. Its urology team diagnosed a right ureteral stone with renal colic and arranged surgery on the night of admission. The hospital reported less than 24 hours from presentation to discharge.

Assessment and communication support

The patient faced an unfamiliar environment and difficulty communicating. Urology opened a priority pathway and formed a dedicated group of experienced healthcare staff to accompany him and assist with administrative procedures.

Deputy director Wu Liezhong explained the condition and proposed operation to the patient. The team then completed the required preoperative examinations.

Laser fragmentation, extraction and a stent

Urology coordinated with anaesthesiology and the operating room that evening. The procedure was transurethral right ureteroscopy with holmium-laser stone fragmentation and extraction, followed by placement of a right ureteral stent.

Department director Zhao Yongbin described an approach through the body’s natural passage, without an incision on the skin. The stone was fragmented successfully, and the patient returned safely to the ward.

A dedicated nursing group monitored recovery. The hospital reported that his pain soon disappeared after the procedure.

Ward assistance and discharge assessment

Staff also addressed practical difficulties during the stay. As the patient did not know how to use Chinese food-delivery apps, nurse Huang Jiayu bought daily necessities for him, while nurse Zheng Meiying prepared easily digestible food.

The following morning, assessment found that he was recovering well. His urinary catheter was removed and he met discharge criteria.

Head nurse Hu Xiaoyan provided discharge guidance before he left. The patient thanked staff in limited Chinese, describing the care as fast and good.