The Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has created history by executing the first-ever surgery on a 22-year-old software engineering student, Moses Mwendwa.
On May 6, the hospital reported that it had successfully performed the world’s first Transhumeral Targeted Sensory Reinnervation (TSR) surgery.
“Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has cemented its position as a global leader in medical innovation by successfully performing the world’s first Transhumeral Targeted Sensory Reinnervation (TSR) surgery on Mr Moses Mwendwa, a 22-year-old software engineering student,” the statement started.
The surgery aimed to return feeling to Mwendwa’s missing left-hand stump for the first time since his amputation. According to the hospital, amputation frequently causes phantom limbs, which are accompanied with pain, discomfort, and psychological torture.
According to reports, the surgery lasted seven hours and was carried out by a multidisciplinary team of surgeons from multiple institutes.The procedure entailed rerouting neurons from an amputated limb to the remaining skin, resulting in a “sensory map” that allows the brain to sense touch, warmth, and pain as if they came from the missing limb.
Mwendwa’s left arm was amputated above the elbow on January 12 due to a fall that caused compartment syndrome, a life-threatening disease.
After months of physical and emotional recuperation, he was invited to join KNH’s historic TSR Surgical Camp.The procedure took place between April 28 and May 2, with the successful surgery on April 29.
“Feeling my missing hand again after believing it was gone forever that’s not just medicine, that’s magic,” Mwendwa stated on May 6.
This historic surgery was conducted by Prof. Ferdinand Nang’ole (Consultant Plastic Surgeon, KNH/UoN), Dr. Benjamin Wabwire (Head of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, KNH), and Prof. Alexander Gardetto (Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Specialist, Italy).
They were assisted by Dr. Dorsi Jowi, a consultant plastic surgeon at KNH; Dr. Christine Nyabuto, a chief resident in plastic surgery at UON; and Dr. Rachel Machiya, a resident orthopaedic surgeon also at UON.
Dr. John Mwanzia and Dr. Ruth Nyambura led the anesthetic team, which provided additional support.Erick Odongo led the nursing team, which also included Mercy Chepkemoi and Esther Munga.In addition, Catherine Muthengi served as the theatre’s sterile assistant.
Dr Wabwire stated, “By creating this neural hand map, we’re not just restoring sensation we’re enabling better prosthetic control and pain management, fundamentally changing what’s possible for amputees through plastic and reconstructive surgery.”
Leave feedback about this