KNH surgeons successfully remove patient's esophagus, reshape stomach in historic 7-hour surgery
via Tuko5 min read
Kenyatta National Hospital KNH has announced that a team of Kenyan specialists successfully performed Kenya's first Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy MIE on June 30, 2026. The 7-hour keyhole procedure involved removing the esophagus of 43-year-old Joshua Wanzala and reshaping his stomach into a new food pipe. KNH reported that Wanzala is recovering well and has progressed to soft foods and fluids. The hospital highlighted this achievement as a significant milestone in the country's surgical capability, reinforcing its standing as a premier national teaching and referral hospital. The lead consultant cardiothoracic and vascular surgeons were Dr. Joseph Mutie and Dr. Obed Makori, supported by a multidisciplinary team. The successful operation has been widely praised online, with many Kenyans stating it demonstrates that advanced cancer treatment is now available locally, reducing the need for patients to travel abroad.
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