Nairobi, 2 June 2024 – A multidisciplinary team at Kenyatta National Hospital recently performed Kenya’s first Transbronchial Lung Cryobiopsy (TBLC), marking a significant milestone in the nation’s medical advancements. The procedure, conducted on a 64-year-old patient, involved obtaining tissue samples from the lungs, enabling swift and accurate diagnosis.
TBLC is a minimally invasive technique that allows doctors to remove large pieces of lung tissue through bronchoscopy under general anesthesia.
This innovative method significantly eases the diagnosis of lung diseases in the country and is praised for its safety and effectiveness in diagnosing conditions such as Interstitial Lung Diseases and Lung Cancer.
Procedure Details and Team Effort
Dr. Wanjiku Kagima, Head of the Medicine Department at KNH, led the team that performed this innovative procedure.
The intervention was necessitated by a CT scan revealing a significant mass in the patient’s airways.
The medical team included Dr. Joseph Mutie, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, and guest pulmonologists Dr. Peter Waweru and Dr. Naveed Merali. They were supported by nurses Joan Kagema and John Ndung’u, along with anesthetists Dr. Brenda Lasoi, Dr. Gathukia Kinyua, and Dr. Hazo Oginga.
“TBLC allows us to diagnose and treat various lung conditions without resorting to major surgery,” explained Dr. Kagima. “This technology is revolutionary in managing conditions and removing airway obstructions, significantly improving patient outcomes.”
Procedure Highlights
The TBLC procedure, which typically takes about an hour, involves using a flexible tube with a camera (bronchoscope) to examine the airways. A special freezing tool called a cryoprobe is then guided to the target area.
The cryoprobe freezes the tissue for 3-4 seconds before being withdrawn, allowing the tissue sample to be collected. Immediately afterward, an endobronchial balloon is used to control any bleeding. If needed, a technique called Argon Plasma Coagulation (APC) is used to further ensure there is no bleeding and to clear the airway.
Impact and Future Prospects
“This procedure promises reduced hospital stays and quicker recovery times compared to conventional thoracic surgery, representing a novel approach to patient management,” said Dr. Kagima.
Kenyatta National Hospital’s CEO, Dr. Evanson Kamuri CBS, EBS, praised the medical team for their remarkable achievement.
“This is an internal medicine and institutional landmark. It demonstrates our commitment to providing top-tier medical care and advancing healthcare in Kenya,” he said. “I commend our dedicated team for their exemplary work and dedication.”
About Kenyatta National Hospital
Kenyatta National Hospital is Kenya’s leading referral and teaching hospital, providing specialized healthcare services and pioneering medical advancements.