Pauline Wanzu, a
30-year-old lab technologist from Machakos County and mother to one, never
imagined that her life would take such a sudden, serious turn in November 2023.
Admitted to Machakos Level 5 Hospital with pneumonia, she underwent tests that
led to a CT scan revealing a tumor in her lungs. “I was shocked,” Pauline
recalls. “I was already dealing with pneumonia, and then to learn there was a
tumor, it was overwhelming.” The discovery prompted a referral to Kenyatta
National Hospital (KNH) in February 2024 for a biopsy.
At the time,
Pauline was pregnant, and a doctors’ strike delayed the diagnosis. “The biopsy
wasn’t performed until May, and I didn’t get the results until June,” she says.
After delivering her son at KNH in September, she was scheduled for lung
surgery, set for November 12th, 2024. Dr. Aparna Ghose, a fourth-year resident
in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery at the University of Nairobi, tells
Newsline that Pauline had a neuroendocrine tumor in her left lower lung lobe.
“This tumor grows from neuroendocrine cells, which release hormones into the
bloodstream,” Dr. Ghose explains. “It’s commonly found in the lungs, pancreas,
or intestines.” Pauline admits she was nervous before the surgery. “It’s lung
surgery, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. But when the surgery was over, I was
surprised by how well I felt. I was able to walk that same night. The doctor
had mentioned I might need ICU monitoring, but instead, I was placed in the
ward, and everything went smoothly.” The procedure performed on Pauline was
Video-assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS), a minimally invasive approach to
surgeries within the thoracic cavity.
Dr. Ghose
elaborates: “VATS allows for small incisions instead of a large open chest
incision. A camera and instruments are used to view and operate on the area. In
Pauline’s case, the tumor was removed, and a chest tube was placed to help her
lungs re-expand.” Several factors made VATS the preferred option for Pauline’s
surgery. “It provides a faster recovery time, smaller incisions, and less
postoperative pain,” Dr. Ghose explains. “It also minimizes the time spent in
the operating room, which improves the overall efficiency of the procedure.”
Pauline’s successful surgery marked a significant milestone at KNH, achieved
through a groundbreaking initiative. A multidisciplinary team, led by Dr.
Joseph Mutie, collaborated seamlessly. Cardiovascular and thoracic surgeons,
including resident surgeons from the University of Nairobi, expertly utilized
advanced techniques. The anaesthesiology team, under the guidance of Dr.
Mbithe, meticulously maintained optimal patient conditions throughout the
procedure. The nursing team, comprising a scrub nurse and circulating nurse,
ensured the smooth and efficient operation of the surgical suite. The entire
team, including vital support staff, worked in unison to achieve the best
possible outcome for Pauline.
Dr. Mutie, the
lead surgeon, stated that KNH’s commitment to world class care is exemplified
by this significant milestone. The use of VATS in Pauline’s case follows a
successful series of procedures at KNH, marking a significant advancement in
the hospital’s ability to treat complex lung conditions. This minimally invasive
surgery not only reduces recovery time but also minimizes patient discomfort
when compared to traditional open surgery. Two weeks after her surgery, Pauline
returned to KNH for a follow-up appointment in Ward 4B. “I’m not experiencing
any pain now,” she says, smiling. “I just need to manage the dressing on my
incision. Before the surgery, I had chest pains, coughing, and wheezing, but
those are all gone now. I do not need pain relievers.” she told Newsline.
“Pauline is a mother to a newborn and the minimally invasive surgery has
enabled her to recuperate and reunite with her baby faster than conventional
open surgery which would take a longer healing period.” says Dr. Ghose.
Pauline’s incision is healing well, and she brought an X-ray to monitor her
recovery. She had two X-rays taken at KNH post-surgery and one more after her
discharge.
Dr. Ghose
confirmed that everything looked normal, with no complications. The tumor had
been successfully removed, and Pauline’s road to recovery was on track. She was
referred to the KNH Oncology Clinic for ongoing monitoring. Throughout her
health challenges, Pauline remained grounded in her faith. “God is always in
control,” she reflects. “It’s not always easy, but with faith and the doctors’
help, I’ve made it through. I encourage everyone to trust the process and
listen to their doctors.” She concluded. Pauline’s journey is a powerful
reminder of the strength we all have within us to overcome life’s toughest
challenges. Her faith, determination, and the care she received at KNH allowed
her to not only face the fear of a life-threatening illness but also emerge
stronger. As she continues her recovery, her story shines a light on the
importance of trust, both in the medical professionals who care for us and in
the power of belief that carries us through difficult times. “Dr. Ghose
emphasized that this marks a pioneering achievement for KNH and it shows and
validates the hospital’s constant strive to become world-class and ensure novel
techniques employed elsewhere worldwide are available to the Kenyan public.
“This video-assisted surgery is accessible to all Kenyans under the National
Insurance program (Social Health Insurance Fund). It caters for the cost of
surgery and inpatient admission.” When asked about the most rewarding part of
her career, Dr. Ghose focused on the profound impact she has on his patients.
“My most rewarding experience is assisting my patients in the best way possible
when they are most vulnerable and in need. I also enjoy making a difference in
their daily lives and giving them a new shot at life courtesy of the various
surgical interventions we carry out.” “I would like to inform the Kenyans that
we are always striving to be competent and meet surgical expertise as per
international standards. We are learning newer techniques and we would like to
put our health system at par with those in first-world countries so that fellow
Kenyans who need medical care need not fly out of the country to get it.
The future of
medical technology in Kenya is bright. We are also adapting and progressing in
minimal access surgical techniques and there will be a time in 10 to 15 years
when open surgical techniques shall become obsolete except for those procedures
which will require extensive invasive open techniques due to the nature of the
disease.” she concludes. The groundbreaking VATS surgery performed at KNH on
Pauline represents a monumental step forward for the hospital, allowing more
advanced, minimally invasive treatments that improve patient outcomes. With
this successful procedure, KNH continues to raise the bar for healthcare in
Kenya and beyond, providing hope and healing for many more patients in the
future.