Thanks to the donation of a new cystoscope by the MATER Children's Renal Corporation, the Sótero del Río Hospital will be able to resume key procedures for the timely diagnosis of urological diseases in children. The equipment will benefit more than one hundred patients a year, reducing waiting times and avoiding unnecessary referrals. A public-private partnership that once again puts small patients first.
On June 25, the MATER Corporation donated a cystoscope to the Sótero del Río Hospital, an essential medical equipment for the early detection of urological diseases in children. The delivery took place in a private ceremony led by Dr. José Manuel Escala, founder and president of the Corporation, together with the medical team of the Pediatric Urology Unit of the hospital, led by Dr. Felipe Castro and Dr. Raúl Encalada, as well as the medical director, Dr. Ignacio García-Huidobro.
The cystoscope is an instrument that allows the urethra and bladder to be explored in depth, facilitating rapid and precise diagnoses, as well as minimally invasive procedures such as biopsies, stone extraction and endoscopic treatments. "This donation is in line with our mission: to prevent and treat early renal and urological pathologies in children in the public system," explained Dr. Escala. "We hope that this equipment will be well used and know, in the future, how many children we are benefiting."
The incorporation of the cystoscope marks a before and after for the Sótero del Río Hospital. For years, the pediatric urology unit operated without this equipment, after the previous one deteriorated without the possibility of having it replaced. During that period, the solutions were improvised: referrals to other centers, long waits to access examinations and the occasional help of MATER, which provided its own equipment on a temporary basis. "The demand here is high. We attend 10% of the pediatric urological patients in Chile. Without a cystoscope, diagnoses were delayed and children had to wait. It has been very difficult," said Dr. Raúl Encalada.
With this donation, we expect to perform at least ten cystoscopies per month, directly benefiting more than one hundred children per year. This will not only make it possible to catch up with the backlog of cases, but also ensure timely diagnosis and treatment for new patients. "We had a waiting list of patients pending and could not refer them to other hospitals. This equipment will allow us to resume our rhythm and respond to those who need it most," added Dr. Felipe Castro.
The alliance between Corporación MATER and Hospital Sótero del Río is not new. Over the years, they have shared efforts, wards and a common vision: to ensure equitable access to quality diagnostics and treatment for all children, regardless of their socioeconomic status. This donation adds to a history of collaboration committed to children's welfare.
"An early diagnosis is possible," goes the Corporation's motto, and with this new cystoscope in the hospital's hands, that diagnosis is now much closer to becoming a reality for hundreds of families.
