Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has marked another significant achievement in its medical history by successfully performing the nation’s first-ever pediatric Birth Brachial Plexus Palsy (BBPP) surgery.
This complex procedure, previously conducted only on adults, offers new hope for infants suffering from this debilitating birth injury.
Birth Brachial Plexus Palsy is a condition characterized by nerve damage sustained during childbirth, resulting in weakness or a complete loss of movement in a baby’s arm.
The intricate surgery aims to correct this nerve injury, restoring function to the affected limb.
The jubilant surgical team confirmed the successful outcome of the groundbreaking operation. “We are happy and excited because this is the first landmark surgery that we are doing as the plastic and reconstructive surgery unit,” stated Dr. Ferdinand Nang’ole, a consultant surgeon at KNH/University of Nairobi.
Dr. Nang’ole urged mothers to be vigilant and seek prompt medical attention if they observe any lack of movement in their child’s upper limb.
“If a mother realizes that the child is not able to move his or her hand well, because even small children will be able to move their hands. Then the first thing they should do is take the child for examination by the medical team,” he advised.
He further emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and intervention. “And if for whatever reason we suspect that there’s a brachial plexus injury, then you refer them to Kenyatta National Hospital, where we can be able to evaluate them in the plastic surgery Department and be able to institute early management. In fact, our biggest problem is late presentation. The earlier the better.”
This pioneering surgery at KNH underscores the hospital’s growing expertise in specialized medical procedures and its commitment to providing advanced care for all age groups, including the youngest patients.
The success offers a beacon of hope for families dealing with BBPP, potentially improving the long-term quality of life for affected children.
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