A local surgeon, Dr. Augustine Melly, successfully performed the first holmium laser lithotripsy for bladder stones in the country with the support of Dr. Chen Xulong of the 4th China Medical Team.
This procedure marks the Solomon Islands' formal entry into a new era of minimally invasive urological surgery and was performed at the China-aided National Referral Hospital Comprehensive Medical Center (CMC).
The occurrence of bladder stones in the Solomon Islands is relatively high, affecting not only adult men but also women and children.
Author's summary: First holmium laser lithotripsy performed in Solomon Islands.