A team of surgeons at Kenyatta National Hospital has successfully performed a rare and highly complex operation to remove a four-kilogram liver tumour, marking a major achievement in Kenya’s healthcare sector.
The procedure, which lasted seven hours, involved the removal of the right side of the liver and is being described as the first surgery of its kind in the country.
The operation was carried out during the Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) Surgical Camp held at the hospital from June 10 to June 12.
Medical experts from Kenya and abroad worked together to perform several specialised procedures while also sharing knowledge and skills with local healthcare professionals.
The successful surgery brought together specialists from Kenyatta National Hospital, the University of Nairobi, Aga Khan University, the Europe-Africa Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association, and visiting surgeons from Egypt’s University of Science and Technology Hospital.
The team was led by HPB specialist Prof Soriman alongside a group of experienced Kenyan surgeons and medical staff.
Supporting the operation was a dedicated anaesthesia team that monitored the patient throughout the lengthy procedure.
Theatre nurses and technical personnel also played an important role in ensuring the surgery was completed safely and efficiently.
Apart from the landmark liver tumour removal, the three-day surgical camp saw doctors perform 13 specialised procedures.
These included four liver resections, one Whipple’s procedure, two hepaticojejunostomies and six laparoscopic cholecystectomies.
The camp was led by Dr Gibson Musila, the Head of the Department of General Surgery at KNH. Besides treating patients, the programme focused on training and mentorship, giving local surgeons an opportunity to strengthen their skills in managing complex liver, pancreatic and biliary conditions.
According to the hospital, the achievement reflects the growing ability of Kenyan health institutions to provide advanced specialised treatment.
