Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) has successfully managed a rare case of pure oesophageal atresia on an 18-month-old girl from Chepareria, West Pokot.
This congenital malformation is characterized by an incomplete oesophagus with a long gap between the two ends. The usual corrective surgery, known as primary anastomosis, was not possible.
The patient was first admitted to MTRH as a neonate, at only four days old.
Stages of oesophageal replacement surgery
The Pediatric Surgery team undertook the initial stage of management which involved fashioning of an oesophagostomy and insertion of a feeding tube to provide nutritional support an intervention used to sustain her growth and development until she was ready for definitive surgery.
Last week, the Pediatric Surgery team performed a complex oesophageal replacement procedure – the gastric pull-up. The highly specialized surgery entails mobilizing the stomach to bridge the gap and create a functional swallowing passage.
The patient has since made a full recovery post-operatively and has been discharged home – now able to swallow food normally.
“This case highlights MTRH’s unique capacity to consistently deliver advanced pediatric surgical interventions that are not readily available elsewhere in the country,” the Eldoret-based hospital said.
How many surgeries on children has been done at MTRH?
To date, six children have successfully undergone this rare and life-changing surgery at MTRH, making it the only public hospital in Kenya where such advanced pediatric surgical care is available.
The surgery was carried out by a dedicated multidisciplinary team, led by Dr. Peter Saula, Dr. Tabitha Mirwoba (Surgeons), Dr. Kimani Mbugua (Anaesthesia), Ms. Magdalene Barasa (Theatre Nurse) and Dr. Joram Nyandat (Pediatric Intensive Care).
”The Department of Pediatric Surgery at MTRH continues to achieve favourable outcomes in the management of infants with oesophageal atresia, underscoring the Hospital’s role as a National referral centre for complex pediatric surgical care,” the hospital’s management said.
