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Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) surgeons are in the headlines again after they successfully carry out a highly delicate procedure by salvaging the limb of a 20-year-old patient with cancer of the bone.

A multi-disciplinary team consisting of specialists took 16 hours to remove a tumor on the patient’s distal femur (lower thigh bone), which had involved the blood vessels and successfully bridging the gap left in the blood vessels with a vascular graft thereby restoring blood flow to her limb.

With precision, the medics then were able to reconstruct the patient’s limb with a customized prosthesis to restore normal limb function.

“This is the first time such a procedure is being carried out at KNH,” lead surgeon Dr Nicholas Okumu announced. The patient’s leg had initially been earmarked for amputation. The operation has offered the patient new hope that she would properly walk again.

“The patient is doing very well and recuperating at the Hospital. Her limb function has been restored using a specialized prosthesis,” said Okumu.

Cancerous tumor

Limb salvage surgery involves removing the cancerous tumor along with a margin of adjoining tissue followed by reconstruction of the limb, both functionally and aesthetically, to provide the best possible outcome for any patient.

Orthopedic surgeon normally recommends limb salvage surgeries after evaluating many factors such as age and general health, type, location and size of the tumor, and extent of the metastasis.
Others in the team that conducted the procedure included Surgeons Dr Gilbert Oburu (Cardiothoracic Surgeon), Dr Wilson Ngángá (Anesthetist), Dr Maureen Wanjau, Dr Mandela Korsai, Dr Faith Naliaka, all orthopedic Surgeons.

Hospital Chief Executive Officer, Dr Evanson Kamuri lauded the orthopedic team for the achievement. He said the step by step the referral facility is achieving its specialization dream by taking on challenging cases to realise its potential.

“This is just but one of the many achievements we have made. We will continue as the premier Teaching and Referral facility in the country to lead the way by adapting current technology and innovation to improve patient care in our facility,” he noted.