KNH makes history with Africa’s first tubeless tracheal reconstruction
Originally published by Kahawatungu — Read the original article →
Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has made medical history after successfully performing what it describes as Africa’s first tubeless tracheal reconstruction, a specialised procedure to repair the windpipe without a conventional breathing tube obstructing the surgical field.
The five-hour operation was performed on September 24, 2026, at KNH’s Prime Care Centre on 26-year-old Dennis Kaiser Omondi, who had experienced breathing difficulties for nearly 20 years.
The procedure was led by Dr Joseph Mutie, a consultant cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon, working alongside Dr Ruel Maina, an ear, nose and throat specialist, and Dr Caroline Abuya, a consultant anaesthesiologist and intensivist.