The Multan Institute of Kidney Diseases (MIKD), managed by Indus Hospital & Health Network (IHHN), successfully conducted a three-day hands-on workshop titled “Kidney Stone Burden in the Stone Belt: Urological Challenges” from January 5 to 7, 2026, at the Surgeon Office & Operation Theatre, MIKD, Multan. The workshop was designed to address the growing burden of urinary stone disease in stone belt regions and to strengthen clinical and surgical decision-making among urology professionals.
The academic sessions focused on developing a comprehensive understanding of stone burden and its clinical significance in urological practice. Participants explored the epidemiology and regional distribution of urinary stone disease, with particular emphasis on stone belt areas. The workshop also highlighted the role of modern imaging modalities in accurately assessing stone size, location, and composition, enabling appropriate treatment planning.
A key feature of the workshop was the discussion on guideline-based management strategies for urinary stone disease. Through interactive lectures and practical demonstrations, participants were trained to correlate stone characteristics with optimal treatment selection. Various endourological and non-invasive treatment options, including Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL), mini-PCNL, Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS), Ureteroscopy (URS), and Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL), were demonstrated according to stone burden and patient factors.
By the end of the workshop, participants gained the ability to accurately assess and quantify stone burden using appropriate diagnostic tools and to select evidence-based surgical approaches for complex stone cases. The sessions significantly enhanced participants’ clinical decision-making skills and improved their competence in planning and executing surgical management of urinary stones, particularly in high stone burden scenarios.
The workshop was facilitated by a dedicated team of experienced urologists from IHHN, including Dr. Ayyaz Bilal, Dr. Masood Afzal, Dr. Asif Hameed, and Dr. Ibrar, Consultant Urologists at MIKD, Multan. Their expertise and hands-on guidance played a vital role in making the workshop a valuable learning experience for all attendees.
Through such capacity-building initiatives, Indus Hospital & Health Network continues its commitment to advancing clinical excellence and improving urological care in regions most affected by urinary