A small hospital in Kenya is basking in glory after successfully handling a spine surgery. Surgeons at Kerugoya County Referral Hospital in Kirinyaga, central Kenya, performed the first spinal surgery last week, registering a medical milestone for this medical facility and its peers.
The surgeons reportedly carried out the delicate surgery on a 30-year-old man who had suffered a spinal injury with a lumbar vertebra 1 and 2 fracture after falling from a height while working. The surgical operation was led by Dr Robert Oluoch, an orthopedic surgeon.
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The team of 10 specialists included an orthopedic and spine technician, general surgeons, medical officers, an anesthesiologist, and nurses.
Dr Alex Kariuki, one of the surgeons, said the surgery involved five specialists and took five hours. The procedure involved instrumentation, stabilization of the spine, and decompressive laminectomy of lumber spines 1 and 2.
Dr Kariuki said since the vertebrae are crucial in protecting the spinal cord, such a complex surgery required a multi-disciplinary approach. He confirmed that the patient is in stable condition and is recovering in the general ward, waiting to be discharged in one month’s time.
Kerugoya Chief Officer for Health, Stanley Muriithi, said the county’s capacity to undertake complex procedures had been improved with the employment of an experienced orthopedic surgeon and an enthusiastic surgical team and the construction and equipping of the new medical complex.
He added that with the operationalization of the new Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the medical complex, the county can perform similar and more delicate surgeries.
“Previously, we would not handle such complex surgeries, and we used to refer patients to other hospitals, but with the new medical facility and modern equipment, we will be able to handle even more delicate surgical cases than this,” he said.
During the opening of the complex, Governor Ann Waiguru, who is the chair of the Council of Governors, said devolution has been of great help to Kenyans and Kenya’s ability to access affordable health services.
She also said the hospital has been given the standard of a level 5 hospital with modern facilities, and it is on its way to becoming a referral hospital. (KNA)
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