Jeddah, November 1, 2024 – The Jeddah Governorate recently hosted the 2nd edition of the Saudi Urolithiasis Conference, held on October 30, to explore the latest advancements in the field of urolithiasis. This significant event, organized by the Saudi Endourology and Minimal Invasive Urology Group, gathered over 30 esteemed Saudi experts specializing in urolithiasis surgery, alongside 16 distinguished lecturers from 12 countries worldwide.
Dr. Wissam Khaled Kamal, a consultant in Urology and Endourology, as well as the head of the Saudi Endourology & MIS Group, emphasized the conference's role in addressing the rapid evolution of surgical techniques for urolithiasis. "The two-day conference serves as a critical platform for discussing the most prominent scientific and practical developments in the treatment of urinary tract stones," he stated.
Highlighting the conference’s importance in the Middle Eastern context, Dr. Kamal noted that the event showcases cutting-edge research and studies on urinary tract stones, which have a prevalence rate ranging between 6.2% and 11.2% in the general population. This makes it a crucial venue for fostering dialogue and collaboration among professionals in the field.
Dr. Ayman Al-Sulaimani, head of the Urology Department and a consultant urologist at King Fahd Hospital in Jeddah, remarked on the exceptional nature of this year's conference. "We are witnessing unprecedented participation and a wealth of scientific theses that will be presented," he said. "This is especially significant given the alarming rise in urolithiasis cases; recent studies indicate that the incidence of kidney stones among populations in the Middle East has reached as high as 25%."
The rising prevalence of kidney stones is attributed to a combination of environmental, nutritional, and genetic factors that heighten the risk of developing urolithiasis. This conference is not only an opportunity to address these pressing health issues but also to share knowledge and strategies for effective prevention and treatment.
As the conference unfolds, attendees will engage in discussions on innovative surgical techniques, emerging research, and practical approaches to enhance patient care in urology. The collective expertise present at this event promises to advance the understanding of urolithiasis and pave the way for improved outcomes in surgical interventions across the region.