Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has announced that it successfully completed Africa’s first tubeless tracheal reconstruction, a surgery which involved repairing Dennis Kaiser Omondi’s windpipe. Mr Omondi, a 26-year-old former soldier, has suffered from breathing difficulties for almost two decades.

The five-hour procedure took place on September 24, 2026 at KNH Prime Care Centre in Nairobi. A team of cardiothoracic surgeon led Dr Joseph Mutie performed the successful surgery, without using the conventional breathing tube during the course of the operation.

The hospital spokesperson, in a statement signed on Friday, October 16, said the team removed the constricted part of the windpipe and closed the fistula that had been created between his trachea and the neck.

The specialists also reconnected the healthy tissue so that air could pass through to the lungs. The team included the ear, nose and throat surgeon Dr Ruel Maina and a consultant anaesthesiologist and intensivist, Dr Caroline Abuya.

According to the hospital, Mr Omondi was first diagnosed with a benign tumour known as an adenoma on the trachea in 2008. However, a closer examination revealed that the patient had a combination of a narrowed windpipe and a fistula – an abnormal connection between the trachea and the skin of the neck – which was causing him a lot of discomfort. The abnormal fistula created noise when Mr Omondi talked and made it difficult for him to breathe, eat or even run errands.

The surgical team removed the unhealthy tissue and sutured the healthy part of the windpipe, restoring the steady flow of oxygen to the lungs of the patient. KNH said they used a bronchoscope to locate the damaged part of the lungs.

A tracheal reconstruction typically refers to a procedure that repairs or removes the damaged part of the windpipe with a view to restoring the flow of air to the lungs. During such operations, a breathing tube is usually placed into the windpipe to ensure that the patient continues to breathe.

But the tubeless technique, which KNH has just completed is considered a new approach. Unlike the traditional method, the tubeless technique avoids obstructing the surgical site by removing the breathing tube from the operative field. However, the anaesthesia team needs to be on standby throughout the procedure to ensure that the patient continues to receive oxygen supply.

According to Dr Mutie, the innovative technique allows the surgeon to have a clear view of the operating site. “This will facilitate good surgery when dealing with difficult airway problems,” he explained.

Omondi has reportedly seen an improvement in his voice and ability to perform basic daily activities after the successful surgery. For instance, he said he had already returned to his retail business in Kisumu as he could easily climb stairs.

“I have noticed an improvement in my voice, and I have resumed my daily activities, including running my retail shop in Kisumu,” Omondi said, citing his hospital’s press release.

Mr Omondi, who is expected to return to his daily activities, will continue to report to KNH Prime Care Centre for his post-op recovery. Details on how things are progressing with him have not been disclosed.

The procedure involved a team of cardiothoracic surgeons, ear, nose and throat specialists plus anaesthesia experts with support from theatre technical personnel and nurses. KNH described the procedure as a milestone in specialised airway surgery in Kenya. The hospital claims to have completed the first of its kind in the entire Africa continent.