Kenyatta National Hospital Performs First Successful Laparoscopic Surgery Kidney Transplanting
The Mt Kenya Times 
Kenya's Nairobi Hospital Successfully Performs First Laparoscopic Kidney Transplant
By Sefu Sabila
Worth Noting:
- With the technology advancement the new development in every sector, Laparoscopic Surgery in the country is the new wave successful achieved by the renal department of the Kenyatta National Hospital.
- In laparoscopic surgery, a digital laparoscope, where a miniature digital video camera is placed at the end of a laparoscope, eliminating the rod lens system.
- The hospital making a major milestone in the kidney transplant, previous surgeries were done by the visiting doctors. However, Dr. Charles Waihenya, also a lead surgeon, urged patients requiring the surgery to visit the hospital for a simila surgery.
- “Many patients gave gone abroad to get this surgery, for now, we are offering this kind of surgery here at Kenyatta National Hospital. “Dr. Waihenya confirming.
The Kenyatta National Hospital Performed its first successful laparoscopic surgery in the country. The national referral hospital is the first public hospital to perform a technological medical surgery in the country.
According to the lead surgeon Dr. Paul Njogu, laparoscopic donor surgery is a technological advanced form of surgery, which requires high skillful knowledge, good training and experience, as well as farmiliarity with what one is doing.
“This is an advanced form of surgery that requires expertise, good training and experience, and farmiliarity of what kind of work you’re doing.”Dr. Njogu explained.
With the technology advancement the new development in every sector, Laparoscopic Surgery in the country is the new wave successful achieved by the renal department of the Kenyatta National Hospital.
In laparoscopic surgery, a digital laparoscope, where a miniature digital video camera is placed at the end of a laparoscope, eliminating the rod lens system.
The hospital making a major milestone in the kidney transplant, previous surgeries were done by the visiting doctors. However, Dr. Charles Waihenya, also a lead surgeon, urged patients requiring the surgery to visit the hospital for a simila surgery.
“Many patients gave gone abroad to get this surgery, for now, we are offering this kind of surgery here at Kenyatta National Hospital. “Dr. Waihenya confirming.
Since 2010, the hospital has conducted 250 successful transplant on patients, with at least one transplant conducted every week. However, according to the Head Of Department (HOD) Renal Unit at the Hospital, Dr. Patrick Mbugua, the hospital is aiming to do at least 2 kidney transplants every week in the future. Dr. Mbugua further confirming of an active transplant program by the hospital in the run.
“For now, we have an active transplant program since 2010, and have conducted at least 250 transplant on patients. At the moment, we are able to do at least one transplant on a patient, we as hospital are not yet there, but in the near future we hope to be doing a minimal of 2 transplants on patients every week.”Dr. Mbugua explained.
Dickson Dekei Wanjiru, whose son underwent the laparoscopic donor surgery says the procedure was seamless and has not experienced any complications since donating one of his kidney to son. Mr. Dekei says he is normal day to day activities are ongoing without interruptions.
“I have been well since the procedure, and I haven’t seen anything threatening complications so far, and I have been going about my duties well and as usual.”Mr. Wanjiru explained.
“I really appreciate the doctors at Kenyatta National Hospital, they are very friendly. Unlike in the past where anxiety would hit you while going for surgery, the doctors have a brief and tell you what is about to happen with ease.”Mr. Dekei’s son said.
Explain the advancement in surgery from open to virtual, Dr. Njogu explained,”in open surgery, we create and access open through the skin into the muscles to be able to reach the kidney.”
“But for laparoscopic surgery, we are using Laparoscopic, which we say is minimal access, we create more holes, using instruments and a camera into body, where that image is magnified on the screen, and one is able to operate without looking at the image.”Dr. Njogu further explained.
The digital surgery has more benefits as compared to the open surgery. According to the lead surgeon Dr. Njogu said the procedure is less painful, easier return to work, better aesthetic look after the surgery.
“The blood loss is almost minimal and the procedure is even cheaper.”Added Dr. Waihenya.
Congratulating the doctors, health CS Susan Nakhumicha said the doctors exhibited a well resourced health unit of the country and advance in the health sector in the country.
“Congratulations to the remarkable team of doctors at Kenyatta National Hospital for successfully performing the first laparoscopic kidney transplant at a public hospital in Kenya. This achievement not only demonstrates the exceptional skill and dedication of our local medical professionals but also signifies advancement in healthcare accessibility and expertise within the nation. Our health fraternity continues to showcase Kenya’s potential for medical innovation and setting a new standard for excellence in patient care. Hongera to all the doctors involved in achieving this fete.”CS Nakhumicha said.
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