By Nyang’au Araka
Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has performed what it describes as Africa’s first tubeless tracheal reconstruction, repairing a 26-year-old man’s windpipe after nearly two decades of breathing difficulties.
The five-hour operation was conducted on September 24, 2026, at the hospital’s Prime Care Centre on Dennis Kaiser Omondi, who had struggled with breathing problems for almost 20 years.
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The procedure was led by consultant cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon Dr Joseph Mutie, working with ear, nose and throat specialist Dr Ruel Maina and consultant anaesthesiologist and intensivist Dr Caroline Abuya.
Omondi was diagnosed with a benign adenoma, a non-cancerous growth in the windpipe, in 2008.
Further investigations revealed narrowing of the trachea, restricting airflow, as well as an abnormal opening between the windpipe and the skin of his neck.
The conditions affected his breathing, voice and daily activities, according to a statement released by the hospital.
Unlike conventional airway surgery, the tubeless technique kept a standard breathing tube out of the surgical field, giving the surgeon better visibility and access to the affected area.
The patient breathed naturally throughout the procedure, according to KNH.
The team removed the narrowed sections of the windpipe, closed the abnormal opening, known as a fistula, and reconnected the healthy ends of the trachea to restore an open airway.
The technique also allows surgeons to use a bronchoscope, a small camera inserted into the airway, to identify the diseased section and limit the amount of tissue removed.
However, it requires close coordination between surgical and anaesthesia teams to maintain adequate oxygenation and patient safety.
“This technique, the first in Africa, gives surgeons a clearer view of the affected windpipe, helping them work more precisely when treating complex airway conditions,” Dr Mutie said.
He described the procedure as an important step forward in the treatment of complex airway conditions in Kenya.
KNH Prime Care Centre senior director Dr John Ngigi said the achievement reflected the centre’s commitment to specialised, patient-centred care, while senior director of clinical services Dr Joel Lessan highlighted the role of modern technology, innovation and multidisciplinary teamwork.
KNH chief executive officer Dr Richard Lesiyampe said the procedure demonstrated the capacity of Kenyan medical professionals to provide advanced treatment locally, reducing the need for patients to travel abroad when suitable specialised services are available in the country.
Omondi said he had already noticed improvements following the operation and had resumed his normal activities.
“I have noticed an improvement in my voice, and I have resumed my daily activities, including running my retail shop in Kisumu,” he said.
“I can now climb a flight of stairs with greater ease, which is a significant improvement after years of breathing difficulties.”
He will continue attending follow-up appointments at the Prime Care Centre following his discharge.
The operation involved a multidisciplinary team, including theatre sterile assistants Griffin Khamisi and Monica Manore, and nurses led by Mary Nyakangi, with support from Branice Juma, Merline Akinyi, Annita Jemei, Winnie Nyatiende and Ann Keeru.
