Kenyatta National Hospital debuts advanced THD technology for painless hemorrhoid surgery

KENYA—Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has successfully treated haemorrhoids using advanced Transanal Hemorrhoidal Dearterialization (THD) technology, a significant advancement in managing the condition in Kenya.

The hospital conducted the procedures in collaboration with Pentaprism Medical Africa through a skills transfer and clinical training programme designed to strengthen minimally invasive surgical care at the facility.

Introducing a less invasive treatment option

According to Dr. Kennedy Ondede, Director of Surgical Services at KNH, haemorrhoids are swollen veins that develop in the lower rectum or around the anus, much like varicose veins.

The condition affects millions of people worldwide and can occur either internally inside the rectum or externally beneath the skin around the anus.

Although haemorrhoids are usually not life-threatening, Dr. Ondede explained that they often cause pain, bleeding, irritation, and discomfort that can significantly affect a patient’s quality of life.

He noted that common risk factors include chronic constipation or diarrhoea, straining during bowel movements, prolonged sitting on the toilet, obesity, pregnancy, low-fibre diets, and heavy lifting.

Traditionally, treatment options for severe haemorrhoids in Kenya have included open surgery, rubber band ligation, stapling procedures, laser treatment, injection therapy, and medication-based management.

However, many of these methods may involve longer recovery periods and postoperative discomfort.

The newly introduced THD technology provides a minimally invasive alternative that reduces pain and speeds up recovery.

The procedure uses a Doppler-guided device to identify the arteries supplying blood to the haemorrhoids, then ties them off to reduce swelling and symptoms without removing large amounts of tissue.

Faster recovery and improved patient experience

Doctors at KNH say the technology offers several advantages over conventional surgical approaches.

Patients are expected to experience reduced postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays, minimal surgical wounds, and lower risks of complications such as infection, anal narrowing, or incontinence.

The procedure also allows patients to return to their normal daily activities more quickly.

Dr. Joel Lessan OGW, Senior Director for Clinical Services at KNH, said haemorrhoids remain a common condition in Kenya, with many patients eventually requiring surgery.

He explained that introducing THD technology would improve treatment outcomes while enhancing the overall patient experience through faster recovery and reduced hospitalization.

Expanding specialized surgical care at KNH

Adopting THD technology supports KNH’s efforts to modernize specialized healthcare services and introduce advanced medical technologies in Kenya.

In recent months, the hospital has continued to expand its minimally invasive surgery programmes across different specialities while strengthening partnerships focused on clinical training and technology transfer.

Healthcare experts say the growing use of minimally invasive procedures in Kenyan hospitals is helping improve surgical outcomes while easing pressure on healthcare facilities by reducing recovery times and hospital admissions.