KENYA – The Aga Khan University Hospital has achieved a medical milestone by successfully performing Vaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (vNOTES).
The hospital now becomes the first in Kenya and the region to offer vNOTES, marking a significant advancement in women’s healthcare.
Led by Dr Bob Achila, the vNOTES procedure is a minimally invasive surgical technique that allows gynaecologists to access the pelvic cavity through the vagina using specialized instruments guided by a camera.
This approach eliminates the need for external incisions, resulting in reduced pain, faster recovery times, and shorter hospital stays for patients.
The vNOTES is particularly effective for hysterectomies, surgeries involving the fallopian tubes and ovaries, and the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse.
While still relatively new to Africa, the technique is gaining traction as more medical professionals become trained in its application.
The Aga Khan University Hospital emphasised the specialized training required to perform vNOTES, highlighting its commitment to advancing medical care through continuous education and innovation.
Elkanah Omenge, Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, stated that this breakthrough is consistent with the hospital’s continued efforts to deliver high-quality care for women’s healthcare in Kenya and throughout Africa.
He added that this technique would significantly improve access to quality care and reduce the burden of gynecological diseases.
Dr. Achila, on his part, emphasized that patients who undergo vNOTES can expect several benefits, including the absence of visible scars, reduced postoperative pain, and a quicker return to normal activities.
The successful implementation of this innovative technique at the Aga Khan University Hospital represents a significant leap forward in women’s healthcare in Kenya and the region.
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