It was another milestone for Kenyatta University Teaching Research and Referral Hospital (KUTRRH) after its doctors performed a rare operation that repairs the main artery without open surgery.

The procedure known as Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair (TEVAR) is the first non-invasive operation in a public hospital in Kenya and treats the condition in the shortest time compared to traditional heart surgery.

Briefing journalists after the inaugural operation of the female patient, KUTRRH Board Chairperson Prof Olive Mugenda said the treatment is safer and cheaper than open heart processes where the patient spends more time in the intensive care unit (ICU) and also in the wards.

Stent insertion

“It involves the insertion of a stent in the inflamed or ulcer-stricken aorta so that the pumping of blood is not compromised. However, the cost of the stent is prohibitive, with one going for about a million shillings,” said Prof Mugenda.

In comparison, she said the patient spent only two days unlike it is the case in conventional treatment at a cost of Sh500,000 which is covered by the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF).

“The chances of losing the patient through this procedure are minimal compared to open heart surgery. We thank the government for the support in acquiring the equipment,” the board chairperson added.

The hospital Chief Executive Ahmed Dagane said the hospital is positioning itself to offer specialised treatment that is not available in the East African region.

“We are looking at services that are not available in the country and the region and we shall be attracting patients and even staff from neighbouring countries,” the CEO divulged.

Dagane and Prof Mugenda emphasised the importance of Kenyans enrolling with NIHF in order to ease the burden of treatment of chronic ailments for families.