Two urologists perform innovative procedures at Kona Community Hospital

Two Ali’i Health Center urologists perform two innovative and progressive urologic procedures at Kona Community Hospital.

In early 2022, Dr. Jeffrey Palmgren performed a procedure called jelmyto chemoablation of a kidney  tumor. The procedure specifically targets the tumor without removing the kidney. The procedure spares the patient from the systemic effects of chemotherapy and saves the patient from having to go into dialysis.  

“This surgery gives our patients another option for treatment for the upper tract kidney tumors,” Dr. Palmgren said in a statement. “It also benefits our neighbor island patients, whom we are starting to see referrals from.”

In December 2022, Dr. Jason Durbin performed the FDA-approved procedure called Optilume Urethral Drug-Coated Balloon. It is a cystoscopy procedure that improves and maintains urinary flow in male patients who suffer from urethral stricture disease.  

Dr. Durbin performed the cystoscopy procedure for a patient who had previously failed procedures to keep his urethral stricture open.  

“Bringing this procedure to our island community enhances our ability to provide excellent outcomes in males that may suffer from urethral stricture disease,” said Dr. Durbin.

Urethral stricture disease is a commonly present and challenging urologic condition in males of any age.  

Dr. Palmgren and Dr. Durbin run the urology team at Ali’i Health Center. Dr. Palmgren brought back urology services to Kona in 2020; in 2022, Dr. Durbin joined their team.

The team is expanding with its newest physician, Dr. Chris Porter, in 2023. They continue to build the urology team at Ali’i Health Center to become an outstanding source of urological care for the community and the neighbor islands.