A surgery at Kenyatta National Hospital that successfully removed a 4kg liver tumour/ HANDOUT
A seven-hour surgery at Kenyatta National Hospital has given a patient a second chance at life after doctors successfully removed a 4kg liver tumour during a complex procedure conducted earlier this month.
The surgery, a right hepatectomy, was performed during a three-day Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) Surgical Camp held at the hospital from June 10 to 12, 2026.
The operation marked one of the key milestones of the camp, which brought together local and international specialists to treat patients with complex liver, pancreatic and biliary conditions while strengthening surgical capacity in Kenya.
According to KNH, the successful removal of the tumour highlighted the hospital’s growing ability to handle highly specialised procedures that would previously have required treatment abroad.
The procedure was conducted through a partnership involving Kenyatta National Hospital, the Europe-Africa Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association, the University of Nairobi, Aga Khan University and visiting surgeons from the University of Science and Technology Hospital in Egypt.
Leading the surgery were HPB specialists Soriman alongside KNH and University of Nairobi surgeons Dr K. Ondede, Director of Surgical Services, Dr Muia, Dr Kaisha and Dr Nthambi.
Other invited HPB surgeons who participated in the procedure included Dr Karan and Dr Misoi.
Removing large liver tumours presents significant surgical challenges due to the liver’s extensive blood supply and its critical role in body functions.
Such procedures require careful planning, specialised expertise and coordinated support from multidisciplinary teams.
"The successful operation demonstrated the value of collaboration between institutions in expanding access to advanced medical care," KNH stated.
Beyond the landmark surgery, the three-day camp carried out 13 specialised procedures aimed at treating complex conditions affecting the liver, pancreas and biliary system.
The procedures included four liver resections, one Whipple’s procedure, two hepaticojejunostomies and six laparoscopic cholecystectomies.
The camp was led by Head of the Department of General Surgery at KNH Dr Gibson Musila.
In addition to patient care, the initiative also focused on mentorship and skills transfer, providing an opportunity for local surgeons and medical teams to gain hands-on experience in advanced HPB surgery.
Health experts have increasingly emphasised the importance of specialised training and international collaboration in building local capacity to manage complex diseases within the country.
The anaesthesia team supporting the surgeries comprised Dr Simiyu, Dr Kasuku, Dr Muchiri, Dr Omundi, Mr Kwame and residents Dr Atieno and Dr Monda.
According to KNH, the camp was designed not only to provide treatment to patients but also to strengthen the skills of local healthcare workers in handling highly specialised procedures.
The hospital said initiatives such as the HPB camp contribute to expanding access to advanced care and reducing the need for patients to seek treatment outside the country.
