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Tag: Plastic surgery

  • Hope restored: KNH performs breakthrough pediatric nerve surgery

    Hope restored: KNH performs breakthrough pediatric nerve surgery

    Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has recorded yet another medical milestone through its Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit.

    A team of doctors successfully performed the hospital’s first-ever pediatric surgery for Birth Brachial Plexus Palsy (BBPP).

    BBPP is a nerve injury that occurs during childbirth, leading to weakness or loss of movement in a baby’s arm.

    According to KNH, the country’s largest referral and teaching hospital, the groundbreaking procedure involves repairing damaged nerves and muscles, offering renewed hope to affected children and their families.

    The team of elated doctors confirmed that the child is now on the path to recovery.

    “We are happy and excited because this is the first landmark surgery that we are doing as the plastic and reconstructive surgery unit”,  Ferdinand Nang’ole, a consultant surgeon at KNH/UoN, said.

    He urged mothers to seek medical attention if they notice a lack of movement in their child’s upper limb

    “ If a mother realises 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 is they should do is take the child for examination by the medical team,” he advised.

    He added, “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 and in the plastic surgery Department and be able to Institute early management and in fact, our biggest problem is late presentation. The earlier the better”.

  • Body by Design: A timeline of events surrounding Lucy Wambui’s death

    Body by Design: A timeline of events surrounding Lucy Wambui’s death

    On Tuesday, the Director of Public Prosecutions(DPP) Renson Ingonga approved manslaughter charges against ‘Body by Design’ Clinic proprietors following the death of Lucy Wambui Kamau.

    The 47-year old woman died on October 26, 2024, due to complications, just days after undergoing cosmetic surgery at the facility.

    The four suspects, Robert Maweu Mutula, a surgeon, George Wakaria Njoroge, Lilian Edna Wanjiru, the proprietor of Body by Design and the Body by Design hospital, are set to take a plea on Wednesday.

    As the case makes headlines, months after Ms Kamau’s death, here is a timeline of the events that led up to the closure of several unlicensed cosmetic clinics and the manslaughter charges brought against the four.

    Timeline of events

    • The saga began on October 16, 2024, when Lucy Wambui underwent a liposuction procedure at Body by Design, a cosmetic surgery clinic operated by Omnicare Medical in Nairobi, as recorded in court documents.
    • She was discharged from the clinic on October 18. A few days later, the surgery quickly took a dark turn, as Wambui began experiencing severe abdominal pain and breathing difficulties.
    • She was returned to the clinic on October 22, and despite her deteriorating condition, the clinic discharged her on the same day.

    Barely able to withstand the pain, later in the day, Wambui sought emergency treatment at Nairobi Hospital. Medical professionals at the facility reported multiple perforations in her intestines. They, however, fought to stabilise her, but their efforts were in vain.

    • On October 26, 2024, 47-year-old Lucy Wambui Kamau succumbed to complications from the surgery, leaving behind a devastated family and sparking national outcry.
    • In the wake of her death and following public outcry, the Ministry of Health intervened, ordering the immediate closure of Body by Design on October 31, 2024.
    • However, Omnicare Medical challenged the closure in court on November 1 through lawyer Danstan Omari, arguing that no conclusive evidence had linked the clinic to Wambui’s demise.
    • On November 4, in a statement to KBC Digital, Prof. Ferdinand Nangole, President of the Kenya Society of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgeons (KSPRAS) assured the public that there were qualified professionals operating in Kenya following rigorous safety protocols. KSPRAS further encouraged Kenyans to verify practitioners’ certifications through the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board (KMPDB).
    • Following Omnicare’s filing on November 1, the High Court certified the case as urgent on November 5, 2024, directing all involved parties to file their responses within seven days.

    As the legal battle unfolded, Wambui was laid to rest on the same day at her home in Redhill, Kiambu County. Family members and friends gathered to bid farewell, calling for justice and demanding stricter regulation of cosmetic surgery clinics to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

    • A day later, on November 6, the case also prompted the Ministry of Health to launch a 30-day nationwide crackdown on unlicensed medical spas and cosmetic surgery clinics.

    In a statement released to the media, Principal Secretary, Mary Muthoni, expressed concern over Ms Wambui’s death, noting that investigations by the Kenya Medical and Pharmacists Dentists Council (KMPDC) had revealed serious malpractices and non-compliance with health standards.

    • On February 7, 2025, the Ministry of Health, through PS Mary Muthoni, directed the closure of several establishments operating without proper licenses, aiming to protect Kenyans from unregulated and unsafe medical practices.
    • After months of investigations and public outcry, the Director of Public Prosecutions(DPP) Renson Ingonga approved manslaughter charges against ‘Body by Design’ Clinic proprietors following the death of Lucy Wambui on April 1.
    • The four suspects involved in Lucy Wambui’s surgery are charged in court on April 2, 2025.

     

  • 126 spas, 34 plastic surgery centers to undergo assessment

    126 spas, 34 plastic surgery centers to undergo assessment

    At least 126 beauty and medical spas along with 34 plastic surgery centers, are set to undergo a thorough assessment to ensure they meet the required standards for safe and high-quality care.

    In a statement, Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said PS said a joint team of health regulators led by the Kenya Health Professions Oversight Authority (KHPOA) has identified the facilities in Nairobi, Nakuru, Eldoret and Mombasa which are scheduled for a thorough assessment.

    The PS noted that a joint team of health regulators, led by the Kenya Health Professions Oversight Authority, will verify whether those establishments adhere to safety protocols and are staffed by qualified professionals.

    The State Department has reiterated its dedication to ensuring Kenyans have access to safe, high-quality healthcare provided by qualified professionals in licensed facilities.

    The PS warned that those found to be non-compliant risk penalties including possible closure and legal action.

    “These inspections will check that the facilities are following safety guidelines, ethical practices, and that they are staffed by qualified professionals. Facilities that fail to meet these standards will face strict penalties, including possible closure and legal action” Muthoni warned.

    Additionally, she urged the public to remain vigilant when seeking medical services to avoid falling into the hands of quacks.

    “The State Department reminds all healthcare providers to strictly follow health regulations, prioritize patient safety, and uphold ethical practices. We also urge the public to be cautious and to only seek services at licensed facilities staffed by certified professionals for any medical or cosmetic procedures”

    On November 6, the ministry ordered a nationwide assessment of clinics offering plastic surgery procedures to ensure compliance with health standards and patient safety.

    This followed the death of Lucy Wambui Ng’ang’a, following a botched plastic surgery procedure at the Body by Design clinic.

    KHPOA has been tasked with coordinating the assessment and submitting a comprehensive report within 30 days.