Kenyan Surgeons Achieve World's First Miraculous limb Reconnection

A group of doctors at Kenyatta National Hospital have made history by restoring tactile feeling to the end of a severed limb, providing fresh optimism for amputees around the world.

The groundbreaking procedure called Transhumeral Targeted Sensory Reinnervation (TSR) was conducted successfully on April 29 for Moses Mwendwa, a 22-year-old college student who had his left arm removed earlier this year. This intricate, seven-hour surgical process connected the cut nerve endings from the amputation site to adjacent skin, enabling the brain to perceive the absence of the limb as though it were still present.

"When I touched the flesh around my prosthetic limb and sensed it with my fingertips, I was astonished. It seemed as though a piece of myself had come back," Mwendwa stated.

Under the leadership of plastic surgeon Professor Ferdinand Nang'ole and Dr. Benjamin Wabwire, along with the visiting Italian specialist Professor Alexander Gardetto, the interdisciplinary team performed the intricate surgery during Africa’s first-ever TSR surgical camp held at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).

The effort brought together anaesthesiologists, surgical nurses, and plastic surgery specialists, including Dr. Christine Nyabuto, Dr. Rachel Machiya, Dr. Dorsi Jowi, and anaesthetists Dr. John Mwanzia and Dr. Ruth Nyambura. The nursing unit was coordinated by Mr. Erick Odongo, with Ms. Mercy Chepkemoi, Ms. Esther Munga, and Ms. Catherine Muthengi offering critical support in theatre.

KNH CEO Dr. Evanson Kamuri hailed the accomplishment as a triumph of innovation and teamwork: "This is a milestone that cements our position as a leader in specialised care and medical research in Africa."

Mwendwa’s path to this significant achievement was marred by an unforeseen calamity. In January, he stumbled and fell following a church service in Nairobi's Ziwani area. A problem that first appeared trivial quickly escalated into a critical situation—a uncommon yet severe condition known as compartment syndrome arose, blocking circulation to his left arm. Although he sought advice from two distinct healthcare facilities, the correct diagnosis was postponed. Ultimately, he was urgently taken to KNH, where doctors conducted urgent operations. However, by January 24, his arm needed to be removed.

For several weeks, the loss continued to haunt him.

"He said he couldn’t believe it. In one instant, he was coding; then suddenly, he wasn't sure if he would ever feel complete again," he recounted.

Now, owing to a daring new advancement in reconstructive surgery, he's starting to regain that feeling of completeness.

"It’s more than just science; it’s about rebuilding our humanity—one nerve, one touch at a time,” stated Dr. Wabwire.

Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).

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