The Kenyatta National Hospital on Wednesday awarded a team of medics who successfully transfused a baby while in the mother’s womb this year.
The baby who was transfused through a highly delicate procedure, known as the Intrauterine Fetal Transfusion in July was later safely delivered in November.
The team led by Director Surgical Services Kennedy Odende received gifts from KNH Board chairman Samier Muravvej.
Muravvej challenged them to ‘dream big’ perform other unique procedures not done elsewhere across the globe.
“The spirit of innovation is embedded in you, the team spirit exhibited by the surgery team is insurmountable and I wish it would be reflected across the hospital,” Muravvej said.
“Think outside the box, dream big, bring us ideas, let’s do stuff that other countries are daring or not even thinking of doing, and do them successfully here. I congratulate all of you for this magnificent achievement, well done."
Others include Rosa Chemwey, Flavia Ogutu, Ikol Adung'o and Kunjira Murayi, an Interventional Radiologist, Miriam Weru and Christine Manyasi.
They were assisted by Benson Nyankuru and Redempata Mumo who are nurses, and Tony Wainaina, a reproductive Health Clinical Officer and Beatrice Mukhola from Newborn Intensive Care Unit.
The team of specialist doctors conducted the procedure in which red blood cells from a donor are injected into the fetus.
Using ultrasound to determine the position of the fetus and placenta, the surgeon inserts a needle into the mother's abdomen and then into the umbilical vein or the fetus' abdomen.
Red blood cells that are compatible with the fetus’ blood type are passed through the needle into the fetus.
Fetal transfusions may need to be repeated every few weeks until the fetus is ready to be born.
The mother is given antibiotics, local anaesthesia, and IV sedation, which also sedates the fetus.
The fetus may be given additional medication to stop movement.
