Kenyatta National Hospital makes history with Africa’s first tubeless windpipe reconstruction
Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has performed what it describes as Africa’s first-ever tubeless tracheal reconstruction, restoring the breathing and voice of a 26-year-old man who had struggled with breathing difficulties for nearly two decades. The five-hour operation was performed on September 24, 2026, at the hospital’s Prime Care Centre in Nairobi on Dennis Kaiser Omondi, […]
Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) performed Africa’s first-ever tubeless tracheal reconstruction on September 24, 2026, saving the life and voice of 26-year-old Dennis Kaiser Omoni. The complex five-hour operation, conducted at the hospital’s Prime Care Centre in Nairobi, addressed Omoni’s breathing difficulties caused by a narrowed windpipe and an abnormal opening between the windpipe and his neck.
Diagnosed in 2008, Omoni’s condition had significantly impacted his daily life, limiting his ability to run his retail shop and climb stairs with ease. The surgical team utilized a novel tubeless technique, employing a bronchoscope to precisely remove the diseased sections of the windpipe and reconnect the healthy ends, eliminating the need for a conventional breathing tube.
Led by consultant cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon Joseph Mutie and supported by ear, nose, and throat specialist Ruel Maina, as well as anaesthesiologist Caroline Abuya, the team’s close coordination ensured optimal oxygen levels and patient safety throughout the procedure. Omoni has since experienced improvements in his breathing, voice, and overall ability to perform daily activities.
KNH highlighted the achievement as a testament to its commitment to highly specialized care and its growing capacity to deliver advanced medical treatment locally.
Written by urgent.news from People Daily Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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