Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) has achieved a major medical breakthrough. It successfully performed Kenya’s first renal artery bypass surgery on a 20-year-old woman from the Rift Valley. The procedure took place in late June and marked a historic step in the country’s surgical progress. It is especially important for managing severe kidney-related hypertension.
The patient had been struggling with renovascular hypertension. Less invasive treatments such as stenting and angioplasty were not viable options. A team of cardiothoracic and vascular surgeons performed the surgery. They used a graft to bypass the blocked renal artery and restore blood flow to the kidney.
MTRH CEO Dr. Philip Kirwa confirmed the patient had been discharged and was healing well. “The groundbreaking surgery went in very well. It was successful, and she is recuperating well and has been discharged,” he said. He noted that Kenyans used to travel abroad for such procedures. Now, they can receive care locally due to better equipment and staff training.
This milestone comes as Kenya works to decentralize specialized healthcare. The goal is to reduce patient travel and offer treatment closer to home. Renal artery bypass is usually a last resort. It’s used when other options cannot control blood pressure caused by blocked kidney arteries. Without proper treatment, the condition can lead to kidney failure.
Dr. Kirwa credited the Ministry of Health and the Social Health Authority for their support. They helped equip MTRH with surgical and diagnostic tools for complex cases. These upgrades include facilities for heart attacks and cardiovascular disease. MTRH is now strengthening its role as a regional medical center.
The hospital also runs free screenings for high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. These are leading causes of heart and kidney complications. Officials say early detection and surgery can cut long-term costs and save lives. MTRH plans to hold medical camps regularly. These will help reach more patients and educate communities about lifestyle diseases.
The patient’s identity remains undisclosed. However, her successful surgery offers hope to many Kenyans with similar health problems. Doctors expect this case to pave the way for more renal procedures in public hospitals.
