Florence, S.C.: A Remarkable Story of Healing and Hope
In the heart of Florence, South Carolina, an incredible story has emerged that highlights the importance of skilled healthcare professionals and modern medical techniques. Meet Sam Wingate, a 77-year-old man who faced severe challenges due to a large kidney stone. This painful ordeal found its conclusion thanks to the expertise of Dr. Karthik Tanneru, a dedicated urologist at MUSC Health Florence.
The Painful Prelude
Wingate had been living with an irregularly shaped kidney stone, half the size of a golf ball, that caused him intense pain. After two unsuccessful attempts at removal, he found himself in a precarious situation. Having just recovered from COVID, he was not only in anguish but also had become weak and unable to carry out his daily activities.
Realizing he needed proper medical intervention, Wingate turned to the internet, where he stumbled upon Dr. Tanneru’s contact info through MUSC Health’s official website. To his relief, Tanneru had availability that week. Wingate jumped at the chance to schedule an appointment.
A Sense of Relief
Upon meeting Dr. Tanneru, Wingate immediately felt at ease. “I was impressed with Tanneru’s professionalism and confidence,” he recalled. “He explained the entire procedure to me, and I knew I was in good hands.” Wingate would soon undergo a specialized procedure known as percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), a minimally invasive surgery specifically designed to tackle large kidney stones.
This modern approach is particularly effective for stones that measure 1.5 centimeters or more. Dr. Tanneru, who is among the few physicians trained to perform this type of procedure in South Carolina, utilized state-of-the-art techniques throughout the surgery.
The Procedure
Performed under general anesthesia, the PCNL procedure typically lasts between one to two hours. With just a small incision of about 0.5 cm in the back, a tiny tube was carefully inserted into Wingate’s kidney to break up the stubborn stone, a type known as a stag horn stone due to its peculiar shape.
Remarkably, Wingate experienced no pain during or after the surgery; Dr. Tanneru successfully removed every last bit of the stone which had caused him so much suffering. “I went home the same day, and I never had to take anything for pain,” he shared with a sense of gratitude.
A Return to Normalcy
Thanks to Dr. Tanneru, Wingate is now back to enjoying life and resuming his regular activities. “I’m working out and getting back to my normal weight of 175 pounds,” he said with a newfound sense of pride. It’s evident that the road to recovery has been a significant one for him.
The Impact of Local Healthcare
Dr. Tanneru emphasized the importance of local access to such procedures, stating, “People no longer have to go to Charleston for care. Being able to access PCNL is vital for this community, where many residents face issues with large kidney stones.” The advanced equipment and multidisciplinary team at MUSC Health Florence enable them to provide exceptional care right in the community.
Gratitude for Great Care
With a thankful heart, Wingate expressed his appreciation not only for Dr. Tanneru but also for his physician assistant, Hope Lee. “I would definitely recommend him. He was incredible, and no one could have done a better job,” he stated earnestly. “Having complete access to him and real-time updates about my health truly made the difference in my recovery.”
Florence, SC residents can take comfort knowing that experts like Dr. Karthik Tanneru are just around the corner, ready to provide top-notch medical care. For anyone facing similar challenges, help is just a call away at MUSC Health.
