NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) says it has performed Africa’s first-ever tubeless tracheal reconstruction, a specialised operation that repaired a patient’s windpipe without a conventional breathing tube obstructing the surgical field.
The five-hour procedure was performed on September 24, 2026, at KNH’s Prime Care Centre on 26-year-old Dennis Kaiser Omondi, who had experienced breathing difficulties for nearly two decades.
The operation was led by Dr Joseph Mutie, a consultant cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon, working alongside Dr Ruel Maina, an ear, nose and throat specialist, and Dr Caroline Abuya, a consultant anaesthesiologist and intensivist.
According to KNH, the procedure marks a significant milestone in the hospital’s delivery of specialised surgical care and demonstrates the capacity of Kenyan medical teams to manage complex airway conditions locally.
Patient Battled Breathing Difficulties For Nearly 20 Years
Omondi was diagnosed with a benign adenoma, a non-cancerous growth, in his windpipe in 2008.
Subsequent investigations revealed narrowing of the trachea, which restricted airflow, as well as an abnormal opening between the windpipe and the skin of his neck. The conditions affected his breathing, voice and daily activities.
During the operation, surgeons removed the narrowed sections of the windpipe, closed the abnormal opening—known as a fistula—and reconnected the healthy ends of the trachea to restore a clear passage for breathing.
KNH said the team used a tubeless technique that kept a conventional breathing tube out of the surgical field, allowing the surgeon better visibility and access to the affected area.
The approach also enabled the team to use a bronchoscope, a small camera inserted into the airway, to identify the diseased section and remove only the affected part.
How The Tubeless Technique Works
Unlike conventional approaches that may require a breathing tube within the surgical field, the technique used by the KNH team allowed the surgeon to operate without that obstruction.
The hospital said the patient breathed naturally throughout the procedure. Maintaining adequate oxygen levels and ensuring safety required careful planning and close coordination between the surgical and anaesthesia teams.
KNH said the approach can help minimise injury to the delicate lining of the windpipe, support healing and improve surgical access during complex airway reconstruction.
“This technique, the first in Africa, gives surgeons a clearer view of the affected windpipe, helping them work more precisely when treating complex airway conditions. It is an important step forward in the treatment of these conditions in Kenya,” Dr Mutie said.
KNH Credits Multidisciplinary Teamwork
The surgical team received support from theatre sterile assistants Griffin Khamisi and Monica Manore, alongside the nursing team led by Mary Nyakangi. Other members included Branice Juma, Merline Akinyi, Annita Jemeli, Winnie Nyatiende and Ann Keeru.
Dr John Ngigi, senior director of the Prime Care Centre, said the achievement reflected the centre’s commitment to specialised, patient-centred care.
Dr Joel Lessan, senior director of clinical services, said the milestone demonstrated the importance of modern technology, innovation and multidisciplinary teamwork in managing complex medical conditions.
KNH Chief Executive Officer Dr Richard Lesiyampe said the achievement showed that Kenyan medical professionals could deliver advanced treatment locally, enabling patients to access specialised care closer to home and reducing the need to travel abroad where suitable services are available in Kenya.
Patient Reports Improvement After Surgery
Omondi said he had noticed an improvement in his voice and had resumed his daily activities, including running his retail shop in Kisumu.
“I have noticed an improvement in my voice, and I have resumed my daily activities, including running my retail shop in Kisumu. I can now climb a flight of stairs with greater ease, which is a significant improvement after years of breathing difficulties,” he said.
Following his discharge, Omondi will continue attending follow-up appointments at the Prime Care Centre.
The hospital said the achievement highlights KNH’s role as a national referral and teaching institution and Kenya’s growing capacity to provide advanced specialised healthcare.
