SZPGMI was established in September 1986 as a centre for postgraduate training and research centre in medical and surgical specialities. Over the years, the institute has evolved into one of Lahore’s largest and busiest tertiary care centre, offering high-quality treatment facilities to the patients.
The institute is affiliated with both Nursing and Medical College, delivering top-notch training to address the rising demand of nurses and doctors in the province.
The Urology department was founded in 1986 alongside the hospital’s inception. Presently, it is overseen by 5 consultants and 24 residents enrolled in FCPS or MS programs.
The department offers a broad spectrum of diagnostic and therapeutic services to patients referred from various departments of Sheikh Zayed Hospital, as well as other healthcare facilities in Lahore and neighbouring cities in Punjab. In 2018, the department achieved the highest merit in Punjab during central induction for Urology training programs for FCPS and MS.
The General Urology Ward consists of 50 beds and is equipped with 3 state-of-the-art modular operation theatres, a dedicated video-urodynamic lab (the first one in the province) and 2 state-of-the art lithotripters and a minor procedure room. The department also provides comprehensive EndoUrology services, including micro and Mini PCNLs, RIRS and HoLEP procedures.
Our collaboration with the department developed in late 2021, driven by the enthusiasm of Dr Fazal-Ur-Rehman, the current head of the department, who expressed a strong interest in establishing a laparoscopy program. Since then, 3 workshops has been conducted with direct one-to-one hands-on-training focused on laparoscopic nephrectomies.
1st Laparoscopic Urology Workshop
25-26th January 2022
As this marked the inaugural workshop, we initiated early communication to facilitate equipment checks and appropriate case selection for training purposes. We curated a mix of benign and malignant pathologies for Laparoscopic Nephrectomies. Preceding the workshop, Zoom lectures were conducted to review video tutorials allowing host surgeons to clarify their understanding of our faculty’s techniques and approach in a relaxed environment before live training commenced. This preparatory phase proved invaluable, as insights gained during live surgical training highlighted the effectiveness of this approach.
The workshop followed a standard format of lectures and simulation sessions, with a significant portion of time dedicated to live training. The residents exhibited keen interest and enthusiasm for laparoscopy. Dr Fazal-Ur-Rehman’s extensive surgical experience, ensured skilful execution of procedures under direct supervision without any adverse events and resulting in good post-operative recovery for patients.
Following the workshop’s success, the host team, supported locally by Dr Nadeem Nusrat from Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute, demonstrated commendable team work by performing further procedures.
2nd Laparoscopic Urology Workshop
06/07th March 2023
With the host team’s sustained interest in laparoscopy, a 2nd workshop was planned to enhance previously acquired skills. Once again focusing on Laparoscopic Nephrectomies over 2 days, the host team led by Dr Fazal-ur-Rehman exhibited skill and composure, albeit encountering one complication – a minor thermal injury to the serosa of the ascending colon. Prompt consultation with General Surgery specialists led to precautionary measures, ensuring no post-operative complications and facilitating patient recovery.
3rd Laparoscopic Urology Workshop
21/22nd November 2023
Establishing new services in public sector hospitals with financial constraints, presents logistical and financial challenges. Unfortunately, despite significant progress after two workshops, a brief period of financial crisis within the institute disruptive services , especially affecting the supply of expensive energy devices. While advocating the use of alternative instruments, such as bipolar scissors and L-Hook , we emphasize the preference for harmonic scalpels or Maryland instrument during the initial learning phase.
With adequate funding restored, this third workshop was designed to refine skills and restore confidence before independent operating resumed. This workshop spanning two successful days, prepared the host team for uninterrupted performance of several laparoscopic nephrectomies thereafter. We hope this workshop marks the culmination of Nephrectomy-focused sessions, paving the way for Laparoscopic Pyeloplasties and Adrenalectomies. Dr Fazal-ur-Rehman, with aspirations to establish Donor Nephrectomies, acknowledges the need for a well-established foundation in Urological laparoscopy.
We are grateful to Getz Pharmaceuticals for supporting this workshop.
