A joint medical team from China and Solomon Islands has successfully performed the country’s youngest recorded minimally invasive urethral stone surgery, marking a significant milestone in bilateral health cooperation.
The procedure was carried out by the 5th China Medical Team in collaboration with local clinicians at the China-aided Comprehensive Medical Center [CMC] at the National Referral Hospital (NRH).
The patient, a three-year-old boy, had suffered from dysuria and lower abdominal discomfort for five months.
Despite earlier treatment at a local hospital, his condition persisted, prompting referral to NRH.
Medical imaging revealed a 6mm stone lodged in his posterior urethra.
Traditionally, such cases are managed through open surgery after repositioning the stone into the bladder—a method associated with significant trauma, postoperative pain, longer recovery time, and visible scarring.
However, after assessment by Zhang Faming, a member of the visiting medical team, and consultation with local clinicians including urology specialist Dr Melly, a holmium laser minimally invasive approach was selected.
Using a ureteroscope, the surgical team gently moved the stone into the bladder and fragmented it into small particles, allowing it to pass naturally through urine. The procedure was completed successfully, with no complications.
The child made a rapid recovery. His urinary catheter was removed the following day, and he was discharged in good condition on the second postoperative day. Follow-up assessments confirmed that his symptoms had fully resolved.
“This safe and gentle treatment allowed our son to recover quickly without open surgery,” the boy’s mother said, expressing gratitude to the medical team.
The procedure was supported by the China–Solomon Islands Minimally Invasive Urology Surgery Center project, which is introducing advanced equipment and techniques to improve local healthcare services.
The initiative is helping reduce reliance on traditional open surgery and raising standards in urological care.
Leader of the 5th China Medical Team, Chu Liangzhao, said the operation set a national record for the youngest patient to undergo minimally invasive urethral stone surgery.
He added that the achievement reflects growing capacity in the Solomon Islands health system and demonstrates the benefits of international medical cooperation.
Local clinicians were actively involved throughout the procedure, receiving hands-on training and guidance from the visiting specialists.
This skills transfer approach aims to build long-term local capacity, enabling Solomon Islands medical teams to independently perform minimally invasive urological procedures in the future.
The collaboration underscores a shift from short-term medical assistance to sustainable capacity building, strengthening the country’s ability to deliver safer, more effective, and patient-centred healthcare.
- MHMS
