The Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) has successfully performed its first pneumonectomy - lung removal surgery.
In a statement on November 1, Ministry of Health revealed that the operation was performed on a mother of eight who was suffering from lung infections.
“The Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) has successfully performed its first pneumonectomy, the surgical removal of an entire lung, marking a major milestone for the facility’s new Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery Unit,” the ministry stated.
The ministry stated that the surgery was led by Juma Odoro and his team from the hospital's new Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery Unit.
It was also revealed that the surgery had gone well and that the patient had since been discharged from hospital.
The Ministry of Health stated that this successful surgery highlights JOOTRH's growing capacity to perform complex, life-saving procedures.
"This achievement underscores JOOTRH’s growing capacity to offer complex, life-saving surgeries and supports Kenya’s efforts to expand access to specialised healthcare under Universal Health Coverage (UHC), "part of the statement reads.
This surgery took place just days after the first cardiothoracic surgery was performed in Western Kenya on October 22, 2025.
The first patient to undergo the operation was a mother of five. The procedure was an esophagectomy, a complex operation involving the removal of part of the oesophagus to treat stage II oesophageal cancer.
“God has brought me this far. I just want to thank Dr. Sadia and his team for taking their time with me. I am now feeling much better,” the patient said.
The patient said that her journey began with pain associated with swallowing and frequent vomiting. After several unsuccessful treatments, JOOTRH confirmed that she had oesophageal cancer.
“I was not afraid. Once sickness sets in, one just needs to find a way of getting treatment," she added.
