A team of surgical doctors operating on a patient at the Kenyatta National Hospital. /FILEA team of surgeons at Kenyatta National Hospital has successfully performed what is believed to be the world’s largest gigantomastia surgery, removing 20.86 kilograms of breast tissue from a 17-year-old girl.
The groundbreaking 11-hour procedure, carried out on September 22 but publicised on October 22, 2025, has given the teenager a new lease of life after nearly two years of suffering from the rare and debilitating condition.
Her ordeal began 18 months ago when she developed gigantomastia, a disorder that causes excessive and rapid breast growth.
The abnormal tissue growth led to chronic pain, severe skin infections, and deep emotional distress.
The weight of the breasts—equivalent to 37 per cent of her total body weight—made walking and standing almost impossible, forcing her to drop out of school and give up her dream of becoming a teacher.
After enduring months of physical and emotional torment, she finally found help at KNH.
On September 22, a multidisciplinary team of Kenyan and South Korean specialists undertook the complex reconstructive surgery that would change her life forever.
“The weight is now gone. I feel free, lighter, and ready to return to school,” she said, smiling after the operation.
“I can finally live the life I was meant to live and follow my dream of becoming a high school teacher.”
The delicate operation was led by Dr Benjamin Wabwire, Head of Specialised Surgery and Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon at KNH.
Describing the procedure as both a technical and human triumph, Dr Wabwire said the operation went beyond medical achievement.
“This was more than a surgical success; it was the restoration of a young woman's dignity and future,” Dr Wabwire stated.
“Our team at KNH proved that with world-class skill and deep compassion, we can overcome even the most extreme medical challenges. We are not just treating conditions; we are transforming lives.”
The surgical team drew on expertise from both local and international specialists.
It included Professor Lew and Dr Kim from South Korea’s Yonsei University, working alongside Dr Claire Odero, Dr Agnes Wanjiru, and Dr Joy Mwangi from KNH.
Anesthesia was managed by Dr Eileen Towett and Dr Hellen Mwari, while the nursing team, under the leadership of Esther Munga and Eun Jin Chae, provided round-the-clock support throughout the operation and recovery.
The teenager's journey to KNH was marked by her mother’s resilience and determination to save her daughter’s life.
The mother, who accompanied her throughout her struggle, said their hope had almost run out before the referral to KNH from Garissa County Referral Hospital.
“I watched my daughter disappear under the weight of this illness. It stole her confidence and her future. We felt hopeless until we were referred to KNH,” she said.
“The team here saw the girl, not just the condition. They didn't just treat her; they gave me back my daughter. They have given her a second chance at life.”
The hospital’s management hailed the milestone as a reflection of KNH’s growing capacity to handle complex medical cases with global precision.
Acting Chief Executive Officer of KNH Dr Richard Lesiyampe said the success demonstrated the institution’s commitment to innovation and excellence.
“This milestone demonstrates that world-class medical breakthroughs are happening right here in Kenya,” Dr Lesiyampe said.
“We are solving local health challenges with a global standard of innovation and a deeply human touch, setting new benchmarks for patient-centered care.”
Following the surgery, the girl made a full recovery and has since been discharged and is now recuperating at her home in Mwingi, Kitui county, where she looks forward to resuming school in January 2026.
Her story, marked by pain, hope, and remarkable resilience, underscores the power of medical expertise combined with compassion.
KNH says the successful operation highlights its growing role as a centre of excellence in specialised healthcare in Africa—where cutting-edge surgery and human empathy come together to restore dignity, hope, and health.
By KNH’s own account, the 20.86 kg breast tissue removal sets a new global record for gigantomastia surgery performed on a teenager.
The achievement has not only changed a young girl's life but also strengthened Kenya’s place on the global map of medical innovation.
