Doctors at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) have successfully removed a massive 4-kilogram liver tumour in a complex seven-hour operation, marking a major medical milestone and offering a patient a new lease of life.
The delicate procedure, known as a right hepatectomy, was performed during a specialized Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) Surgical Camp held at KNH between June 10 and June 12, 2026.
The operation was described as the highlight of the camp, which brought together leading local and international surgeons in a collaboration aimed at strengthening Kenya’s capacity in advanced liver and pancreatic surgeries.
KNH said the life-saving procedure symbolised “hope restored and a second chance” for the patient, who had been facing an uncertain future due to the life-threatening tumour.
The surgical camp was made possible through a partnership between Kenyatta National Hospital, the Europe-Africa Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association, the University of Nairobi, Aga Khan University, and visiting experts from the National Liver Institute, Menoufia University in Egypt.
The lead surgery was conducted by HPB specialists led by Prof. Soliman, working alongside KNH and University of Nairobi surgeons including Dr K. Ondede, Director of Surgical Services, Dr Muia, Dr Kaisha, and Dr Nthambi, among others.
The anaesthesia team, theatre nurses, and technical staff were also credited for ensuring the success of the highly complex operation, which required exceptional coordination and precision.
In total, the three-day surgical camp delivered 13 specialized procedures, including four liver resections, one Whipple’s procedure, two hepaticojejunostomies, and six laparoscopic cholecystectomies.
The programme, led by Dr Gibson Musila, Head of the Department of General Surgery at KNH, also served as a training and mentorship platform aimed at building local expertise in managing complex hepatobiliary conditions.
Medical experts noted that removing such a large tumour required meticulous planning, advanced surgical skill, and teamwork across multiple disciplines.
KNH said the achievement reflects its growing capacity to deliver world-class specialised care locally, reducing the need for patients to seek treatment abroad.
The hospital added that the milestone reinforces its role as a national referral centre capable of handling some of the most complex medical cases in the region.
