Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) surgeons have made history after successfully performing Kenya’s first-ever nasal reconstruction surgery using a zygomatic implant-retained nasal prosthesis.
In a statement on Tuesday, October 28, KNH said the procedure was performed on 51-year-old Dormitila Yula, who had lived for eight years without part of her nose following a cancer diagnosis.
"What began as a small pimple on her nose in 2017 turned into a painful journey of surgeries, infections, and a cancer diagnosis that left her without part of her nose, and without confidence," the statement read.
After surviving cancer, Dormitila spent years hiding her face, unable to regain her confidence.
In 2024, a multidisciplinary team at KNH designed a custom-made silicone prosthesis to recreate the natural contours of her nose.
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"In 2024, a multidisciplinary team at KNH devised a custom-made silicone prosthesis to recreate the natural contours of her nose, anchored by zygomatic implants placed securely in her cheekbone in a six hour surgery," the statement added.
On September 10, 2025, the KNH team successfully completed the historic procedure, marking a major milestone in reconstructive surgery.
Dormitila, who can now smile and interact freely, expressed her joy after the life-changing surgery.
"I can finally face the world," she said.
This comes a week after a team of surgeons at KNH performed an 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.
"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.
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.
