A team of surgeons at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has performed a groundbreaking operation to remove more than 20 kilograms of breast tissue from a 17-year-old girl suffering from a medical condition known as gigantomastia.
In a statement on Wednesday, October 23, the hospital said the surgery took 11 hours to complete and is believed to be one of the most extensive surgeries of its kind globally.
"A team of dedicated surgeons and medical staff at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has given a 17-year-old girl the gift of a normal life. In a landmark procedure believed to be the largest of its kind in the world, the team successfully removed 20.86 kilograms of breast tissue from Lydia Musivi, who suffered from a severe and rare condition known as gigantomastia.
"The 11-hour surgery, performed on September 22, 2025, has freed Lydia from a debilitating condition that forced her to abandon her studies and dreams. The weight of the tissue removed was equivalent to 37% of her total body weight, a physical and emotional burden she had carried for 18 months," the statement read.
According to KNH, Lydia’s condition caused rapid and abnormal breast growth, resulting in chronic pain, skin infections, and emotional distress.
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"Lydia's condition caused extreme, rapid breast growth, leading to chronic pain, skin infections, and profound emotional distress. The simple act of walking and standing up straight had become a struggle, and her hope for a future was fading," the statement added.
After the successful operation, Lydia expressed her relief and optimism about returning to school and pursuing her dreams.
"The weight is now over. I feel free, lighter, and ready to return to school. I can finally live the life I was meant to live and follow my dream of becoming a high school teacher," she said.
The surgery was led by Dr. Benjamin Wabwire, Head of Specialized Surgery and Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon at KNH, who praised his team for their expertise and compassion in handling the case.
"This was more than a surgical success; it was the restoration of a young woman's dignity and future. Our team at KNH proved that with world-class skill and deep compassion, we can overcome even the most extreme medical challenges. We are not just treating conditions; we are transforming," he stated.
Lydia’s mother, Naomi Mutendwa, recalled the painful journey her family endured before finding help at KNH.
She said her daughter’s condition had not only affected her health but also taken away her confidence and future aspirations.
"I watched my daughter disappear under the weight of this illness. It stole her confidence and her future. We felt hopeless until we were referred to KNH from Garissa County Referral Hospital.
"The team here saw the girl, not just the condition. They didn't just treat her; they gave me back my daughter. They have given her a second chance at life," she said.
KNH Acting Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Richard Lesiyampe, described the surgery as a reflection of the hospital’s growing capacity to deliver world-class healthcare solutions locally.
"This milestone demonstrates that world-class medical breakthroughs are happening right here in Kenya. We are solving local health challenges with a global standard of innovation and a deeply human touch, setting new benchmarks for patient-centered care," he said.
Lydia has since been discharged and is recuperating at her home in Mwingi, Kitui County; she is expected to resume her education in January 2026.
This comes weeks after surgeons at KNH achieved a groundbreaking medical milestone by successfully conducting what is believed to be the first facial reconstruction surgery of its kind globally.
In a statement, the hospital noted that the highly complex craniofacial procedure was performed on Thursday, September 25, by a multidisciplinary team of KNH and University of Nairobi specialists.
The surgical procedure took nine hours to complete and involved comprehensive facial reconstruction to restore both function and appearance to the patient.
The operation represented the first procedure of its kind to be conducted in specialized care, significantly enhancing the hospital's growing reputation as a center of medical excellence on the African continent.
The surgery addressed severe facial injuries sustained by Ian, a 7-year-old boy from Baraka, who is currently admitted to the Intensive Care Unit and remains under close medical supervision.
The young patient had suffered devastating facial trauma on December 23, 2023, at the Isiolo-Meru border when armed bandits attacked villagers, and a stray bullet struck him in the face.
