Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has announced that its specialists successfully performed what it describes as Africa’s first tubeless tracheal reconstruction, offering new hope to a 26-year-old man who had struggled with breathing difficulties for nearly 20 years.
In a statement on October 16, KNH said the procedure involved removing narrowed sections of the windpipe, closing an abnormal opening between the windpipe and the skin of the neck, and reconnecting the healthy ends.
“Kenyatta National Hospital has made medical history after successfully performing Africa’s first-ever tubeless tracheal reconstruction, a specialized operation to repair the windpipe without a conventional breathing tube obstructing the surgical field,” stated KNH.
The five-hour operation was performed on September 24 at the hospital’s Prime Care Centre on Dennis Kaiser Omondi, who had been diagnosed with a non-cancerous growth in his windpipe in 2008.
The hospital described the operation as a major milestone in the treatment of complex airway conditions in Kenya.
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How the Surgery was Performed
The procedure used a tubeless technique that kept a conventional breathing tube out of the surgical field, giving the surgeon better visibility and access to the affected part of the windpipe.
According to KNH, the technique also allowed the team to use a bronchoscope, a small camera inserted into the airway, to identify the affected area and remove only the diseased section.
The approach required careful coordination between the surgical and anaesthesia teams to maintain adequate oxygen levels and patient safety throughout the operation.
KNH said Omondi breathed naturally throughout the procedure.
The operation was led by Dr Joseph Mutie, a consultant cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon, alongside Dr Ruel Maina, an ear, nose and throat specialist, and Dr Caroline Abuya, a consultant anaesthesiologist and intensivist.
The team also included theatre sterile assistants Griffin Khamisi and Monica Manore, and a nursing team led by Mary Nyakangi, supported by Branice Juma, Merline Akinyi, Annita Jemeli, Winnie Nyatiende, and Ann Keeru.
Patient Reports Improvement After Surgery
Omondi had experienced breathing difficulties for nearly two decades following the diagnosis of a benign adenoma in his windpipe.
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Further investigations revealed narrowing of the airway that restricted airflow, alongside an abnormal opening known as a fistula between the windpipe and the skin of his neck. The conditions affected his breathing, voice and daily activities.
After the operation, Omondi reported improved voice and the ability to carry out routine activities.
“I have noticed an improvement in my voice, and I have resumed my daily activities, including running my retail shop in Kisumu. I can now climb a flight of stairs with greater ease, which is a significant improvement after years of breathing difficulties,” he said.
KNH said he would continue attending follow-up appointments at the Prime Care Centre after his discharge.
KNH Says Procedure Marks Milestone for Specialised Healthcare
Dr Mutie said the technique provided surgeons with a clearer view of the affected windpipe, enabling more precise treatment of complex airway conditions.
“This technique, the first in Africa, gives surgeons a clearer view of the affected windpipe, helping them work more precisely when treating complex airway conditions. It is an important step forward in the treatment of these conditions in Kenya,” he said.
Dr John Ngigi, senior director of the Prime Care Centre, said the achievement reflected the facility’s commitment to specialised, patient-centred care.
Dr Joel Lessan, senior director of clinical services, said the milestone demonstrated the importance of modern technology, innovation and multidisciplinary teamwork in managing complex medical conditions.
KNH Chief Executive Officer Dr Richard Lesiyampe said the achievement demonstrated the ability of Kenyan medical professionals to provide advanced treatment locally, helping patients access specialised care closer to home instead of travelling abroad where appropriate services are available in Kenya.
The hospital said the procedure demonstrated its capacity, as a national referral and teaching hospital, to deliver advanced specialised healthcare.
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