KNH marks milestone as two patients receive painless haemorrhoids surgery

Two patients have successfully undergone haemorrhoids treatment using the advanced Transanal Hemorrhoidal Dearterialization (THD) technology at Kenyatta National Hospital/ KNH



Two patients have successfully undergone haemorrhoids treatment using the advanced Transanal Hemorrhoidal Dearterialization (THD) technology at Kenyatta National Hospital in a milestone doctors say could transform management of the condition in Kenya.

The successful procedures mark the introduction of the minimally invasive technology at the national referral hospital and are expected to offer patients less painful treatment, shorter hospital stays and faster recovery compared to conventional surgery.

In a statement on Thursday, KNH said the procedures were conducted in partnership with Pentaprism Medical Africa as part of a collaborative learning and skills transfer programme aimed at strengthening minimally invasive surgical care at the hospital.

According to KNH Director of Surgical Services Dr Kennedy Ondede, haemorrhoids are swollen and enlarged veins located in the lower rectum or around the anus and remain a common condition affecting many Kenyans.

“Although generally benign, haemorrhoids can cause significant discomfort and negatively affect quality of life,” Dr Ondede said.

He explained that the condition may occur internally within the rectum or externally under the skin surrounding the anus and is commonly caused by straining during bowel movements, chronic constipation or diarrhoea, prolonged sitting on the toilet, pregnancy, obesity, low-fibre diets and heavy lifting.

Traditionally, patients suffering from haemorrhoids have undergone treatment through open surgery, stapling, banding, laser procedures, injection of sclerosants or medication-based management.

KNH Director of Surgical Services Dr Kennedy Ondede addressing media on May 21, 2026/ KNH

However, doctors at KNH say the THD technology introduces a modern alternative that reduces surgical trauma and complications associated with conventional methods.

The procedure uses a Doppler-guided instrument to identify arteries supplying blood to the haemorrhoids before tying them off, helping reduce swelling and symptoms without extensive tissue removal.

According to the hospital, patients treated using the technology are expected to benefit from reduced pain after the procedure, faster recovery, reduced bleeding, minimal surgical wounds and shorter hospital stays.

The hospital also said the technology lowers the risk of complications such as infection, anal narrowing and incontinence.

Speaking on the development, KNH Senior Director for Clinical Services Dr Joel Lessan said the hospital receives many patients requiring surgical intervention for haemorrhoids and the new technology would significantly improve patient experience.

“The adoption of THD technology is expected to improve patient outcomes through shorter hospital stays, quicker recovery and enhanced overall patient experience,” Dr Lessan said.

Medical experts have increasingly advocated for minimally invasive procedures because they reduce recovery time and lower the physical and financial burden on patients.

KNH said the successful treatment of the two patients demonstrates the hospital’s growing capacity to adopt modern healthcare technologies and improve specialised treatment services locally.

The partnership is also expected to strengthen training opportunities for local surgeons and expand access to advanced surgical procedures for patients in Kenya and the wider region.