Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) has achieved the successful re-implantation of a traumatically amputated hand.
The procedure, which lasted a grueling 11 hours, was performed on a 35-year-old male patient identified as BK, who had suffered a left hand traumatic amputation through the carpal region (wrist).
The incident occurred on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, following a domestic assault at 11:45 am. The patient was referred from Sigowet Subcounty Hospital in Kericho and arrived at the MTRH Emergency Department at 4 pm on the same day. The amputated limb was carefully preserved in a cool box.
MTRH’s medical team swiftly sprang into action, and BK was taken into the operating theater within 15 minutes of his arrival.
Two teams of surgical expertise worked alternately to repair and re-attach the severed limb while simultaneously conducting revascularization procedures.
The re-implantation surgery was ultimately completed at 3 am, signifying an impressive 11-hour marathon of medical dedication.
Following the successful surgery, BK was reversed from anesthesia and admitted to the Post Anaesthesia Care Unit (PACU) for overnight monitoring.
He was then transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for further observation and the administration of IV Heparin infusion. The IV infusion was completed 48 hours later on Thursday, August 10, 2023.
The patient’s limb was splinted, and rehabilitation efforts were initiated to facilitate his recovery.
As of Sunday, August 13, 2023, BK’s post-operative progress has been promising.
He has been transferred from the ICU to the General Orthopedics (Male) Ward at MTRH, where he will continue to undergo daily reviews and commence Occupational Therapy rehabilitation.
Doppler ultrasound findings have confirmed that the re-implanted hand has been successfully re-established, highlighting the exceptional quality of the surgery.
The surgical team responsible for this accomplishment is comprised of a group of dedicated professionals from various medical fields:
- Francis Kosgei, Clinical Nurse Educator (CNE), Theatres
- Sharon Cherotich, Perioperative Nursing Officer (NO)
- Nehemiah Nyainda, Perioperative NO
- Rose Keino, NO, Post Anaesthesia Care Unit (PACU)
- Caren Cherotich, Student Nurse
- Oscar Ang’anda, Student Nurse
- Michael Omondi, Clinical Officer (CO) Anesthetist
- Ezra Samoita, CO Anesthetist
- Dr. Brian Christie, Plastic Surgeon, Indiana University (IU)
- Dr. Andrew Vernadi, Plastic Surgeon, IU
- Dr. Gregory Wekesa, MTRH COSECSA Orthopedics & Trauma Resident
- Dr. Harsh Vadgama, MTRH Consultant Orthopedics & Trauma (Shoulder Surgeon)
- Dr. Paul Mwangi, Team Leader, MTRH Consultant Orthopedics & Trauma (Hand Surgeon)
Notably, Kenya is home to only three Hand Specialist Surgeons, with one each in Nairobi, Nakuru, and the MTRH.
Dr. Paul Mwangi’s expertise was honed during his Hand Surgery training at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2015-16.
This accomplishment aligns with MTRH’s commitment to advancing multi-and sub-specialty surgical and medical skills, consistent staff capacity development, substantial investments in medical infrastructure, and specialized equipment – all supported by the Government of Kenya through the Ministry of Health and The National Treasury & Economic Planning.
