KNH performs rare nerve reconstruction surgeries on 2 patients

The procedures, conducted on October 29 and 30, 2026, involved Targeted Sensory Reinnervation (TSR), a specialised operation that redirects sensory nerves to help amputees regain sensations through prosthetic limbs.

The four-year-old boy, Jeremy, from Kirinyaga County, is described by KNH as the youngest known recipient of the procedure globally.

He lost his left hand in a chaff-cutter accident while playing with another child. An attempt to reattach the hand was unsuccessful, resulting in an amputation.

The operation was performed by Italian plastic and reconstructive surgeon Professor Alexander Gardetto and took five and a half hours.

The second patient, Charles Mogire, a 43-year-old painter from Ngong, underwent a five-hour procedure on October 30 after losing both arms in a severe electrical accident in November 2025.

Mogire lost his left arm at the shoulder and his dominant right arm above the elbow. He had previously received emergency treatment and skin grafting at KNH.

According to the hospital, his operation was the third transhumeral variant of TSR to be performed globally. The technique is specifically designed for patients with above-elbow amputations and may help address complications such as painful nerve growths and phantom limb sensations.

Both have since been discharged and are recovering at home.

KNH Head of Specialised Surgery Dr Benjamin Wabwire said the procedures marked a significant advancement in microsurgery and could expand treatment options for people living with limb loss.

The hospital's Chief Executive Officer, Dr Richard Lesiyampe, said the achievement demonstrated that highly specialised medical procedures could be performed locally through investment in specialist skills, technology and international partnerships.

“These procedures demonstrate that complex and highly specialized treatments can be successfully undertaken in Kenya. Through investment in specialist skills, infrastructure, technology, research and strategic partnerships, KNH continues to expand access to innovative healthcare while restoring hope, dignity and quality of life,” Lesiyampe said.

The surgeries were conducted under an initiative in its second year at KNH, which has benefited from Professor Gardetto's mentorship and knowledge transfer.

Jeremy's mother, Mercy Muthoni, thanked the hospital for the care extended to her son, while Mogire's wife, Beatrice Moraa, described the operation as a turning point for their family.

Mogire expressed hope that with appropriate prosthetic support, he would regain sensation, become more independent and return to painting.