For the first time in its history, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) and Shoe4Africa Children’s Hospital successfully performed a laparoscopic surgery on a child.
In a statement on Wednesday, March 28, the hospital stated that the procedure was conducted on a 4-year-old boy diagnosed with an undescended testis.
Undescended testis, also known as cryptorchidism, is a condition where one or both of a baby’s testicles fail to descend into the scrotum.
Earlier, the condition would have required a major open surgery.
However, a pioneering team of surgeons and dedicated hospital staff performed the operation using laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery, resulting in far less trauma for the young patient.
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How MTRH Surgeons Conducted the Procedure
Using a single 5mm port and two 3mm instrument sites, the team carried out a first-stage laparoscopic orchidopexy, a delicate surgery that repositions the undescended testis.
According to MTRH, the procedure was successful, thanks to the leadership and support of CEO Dr. Philip Kirwa and Dr. Peter Saula, Head of Pediatric Surgery Department, both of whom have been strong advocates for expanding access to laparoscopic care.
“What would have required a large abdominal incision was instead completed through a single 5mm port and two 3mm instrument sites.
“The child was awake and ready for discharge shortly after the operation,” stated the hospital.
From anesthesia and nursing teams to biomedical engineers, supply chain personnel, and hospital cleaners, several professionals have been credited for the successful procedure.
Also, the operating theatre team, led by Herbert Oloo, Nurse Manager, was instrumental in coordinating efforts and ensuring a seamless surgical process from start to finish.
“As we look ahead, we hope to build on this foundation to increase access to minimally invasive surgery for children in our region,” Dr. Kirwa stated.
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Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) milestone
On May 6, the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) announced that specialists in the facility had successfully conducted the world’s first Transhumeral Targeted Sensory Reinnervation (TSR) surgery, that took 8 hours.
KNH revealed that the surgery was performed on a 22-year-old software engineering student, who had lost his left arm due to a traumatic injury.
“The surgery that lasted more than seven hours, led by a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, enabled Moses to feel sensation at the stump of his missing left hand for the first time since amputation,” stated the national hospital.
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