Listen to This Article Enhance your reading experience by listening to this article.

Medics at Kenyatta University Teaching Research and Referral Hospital (KUTRRH) have successfully performed the first laser-generated surgery on a patient to correct a vocal cord palsy.

 The transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) involves using a specialised laser to precisely remove or reshape tissue in the larynx. The procedure is performed through the mouth, eliminating the need for external incisions.

 “This ground-breaking procedure marks a significant achievement for our ENT department. This achievement is a testament to the power of teamwork, dedication, and innovative medical techniques,

 “We’re excited about the positive impact this will have on our patient’s quality of life and look forward to many more successful procedures in the future,” said Dr Sheila Gitau, the team leader after the surgery.

Vocal cords

 Bilateral vocal cord palsy is a debilitating condition where both vocal cords are paralysed, often leading to breathing difficulties, voice changes, and impaired swallowing. Traditional treatment options have included tracheostomy, which medics say though effective, significantly impacts a patient’s quality of life.

 “As we continue to advance in the field of ENT surgery, procedures like TLM represent a promising future for patients suffering from complex laryngeal conditions, providing them with improved health outcomes and a better quality of life,” stated Dr Gitau.

According to medics, advancement in medical technology has paved the way for less invasive and more effective treatments, such as transoral laser microsurgery whose primary goal is to improve the airway, allowing for better breathing while preserving as much vocal function as possible.

 “The laser allows surgeons to target specific areas with minimal damage to surrounding tissues, reducing the risk of complications and promoting faster recovery times. Patients often experience significant improvements in their breathing and voice quality shortly after the procedure,

 “At KUTRRH, this milestone reflects our commitment to adopting cutting-edge technologies to enhance patient care. The successful outcome underscores the potential of TLM to revolutionise the management of vocal cord paralysis, offering patients a safer and more effective alternative to traditional surgical approaches,” added the surgeon.

 This comes after the hospital successfully performed the first paediatric bronchoscopy on a young patient who had swallowed an object.

Led by Dr Ian David Macharia, the medics conducted the first interventional bronchoscopy on a three-year-old patient presented with a foreign body in the bronchus.