KNH achieves world’s first transhumeral targeted sensory reinnervation surgery
The Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has announced that it has successfully performed the world’s first Transhumeral Targeted Sensory Reinnervation (TSR) surgery on a 22-year-old software engineering student.
In a statement on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, KNH said the surgery that lasted more than seven hours, led by a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, enabled the patient to feel sensation at the stump of his missing left hand for the first time since amputation.
“Amputation leads to an imaginary feeling and perception of the presence of an amputated part (phantom limb) which is often associated with pain, discomfort and psychological torture. TSR, an advanced surgical technique, reroutes nerves from an amputated limb to the remaining skin, creating a “sensory map” that allows the brain to perceive touch, temperature, and pain as if originating from the missing limb,” KNH stated.
The patient, on January 12, 2025, fell, leading to compartment syndrome, a life-threatening condition that forced doctors to amputate his left arm above the elbow. However, after months of physical and emotional recovery, he was offered a chance to participate in KNH’s historic TSR Surgical Camp, which took place between April 28 and May 2, 2025.
“Following a successful operation that was undertaken on April 29, 2025, Moses became the first person in the world to undergo the procedure that not only restored sensation but also promised better prosthetic control and pain management,” KNH added.
The surgery was performed by Prof Ferdinand Nang’ole (Consultant Plastic Surgeon, KNH/UoN), Dr Benjamin Wabwire (Head of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, KNH) and Prof Alexander Gardetto (Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Specialist, Italy).
They were supported by Dr Dorsi Jowi, consultant plastic surgeon at KNH; Dr Christine Nyabuto, chief resident in plastic surgery at UON and Dr Rachel Machiya, a resident orthopaedic surgeon also from UON.
KNH says essential support was provided by the anaesthesia team led by Dr John Mwanzia and Dr Ruth Nyambura, while the nursing team was headed by Erick Odongo, assisted by Mercy Chepkemoi and Esther Munga. In addition, Catherine Muthengi played a key role as the theatre sterile assistant.
“This achievement is not just a medical breakthrough, it’s a restoration of dignity, function, and hope,” Wabwire said.
On April 29, 2025, the patient became the first person worldwide to undergo a transhumeral TSR procedure. The surgical team reported immediate success as he began experiencing sensations in his phantom hand.
“By creating this neural hand map, we’re not just restoring sensation, we’re enabling better prosthetic control and pain management, fundamentally changing what’s possible for amputees through plastic and reconstructive surgery,” Wabwire added.
KNH says at least seven beneficiaries now stand at the forefront of a new era in neural rehabilitation, with KNH planning to institutionalise these camps to support countless amputees across Africa.
“This isn’t just surgical innovation it’s the restoration of dignity, function, and hope for people who thought such sensations were lost forever,” Wabwire adds.
KNH Director Surgical Services Dr Kennedy Ondede said the milestone emphasises the hospital’s commitment to advancing surgical care in the country.
“This achievement demonstrates that world-class innovations can and do happen in Kenya,” Ondede said.
Kenyatta National Hospital Chief Executive Officer Dr Evanson Kamuri hailed the medical team for successfully performing the world’s first transhumeral TSR surgery.
“This achievement reaffirms our commitment to strategic partnerships and demonstrates that at KNH, we are home to world-class medical professionals and cutting-edge technology,” he concluded.
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Francis Muli
Francis Muli is a passionate digital journalist with over seven years of experience in crafting compelling stories across various platforms. His major focus is in business, politics and current affairs. He brings a keen eye for detail and a commitment to uncovering the truth. He has contributed to leading publications across the country. When not chasing stories, you can find Muli exploring new technologies, attending local events, or reading fiction. Connect with Francis Muli on X @FMuliKE and Facebook (Francis Muli) to follow his latest stories and insights.
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