Lamu’s King Fahd Hospital makes history with first laparoscopic kidney cancer surgery

Medical specialists at King Fahd County Hospital in Lamu have successfully performed the facility’s first laparoscopic radical nephrectomy, marking a major milestone in the region’s surgical care.

The minimally invasive procedure, used to remove a kidney affected by cancer, was performed on a 65-year-old patient recently diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma.

Led by the hospital’s resident urologist, Dr Omar Bin Salman, the operation is the first of its kind to be carried out within Lamu’s public healthcare system.

Previously available only in major cities like Mombasa—where it can cost more than Sh450,000—the surgery was completed in Lamu for just Sh180,000.

Doctors noted that the entire cost was covered by the government’s Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), allowing the patient to receive specialised treatment at no personal expense.

Health officials in Lamu have praised the achievement as a turning point in the county’s healthcare delivery.

Surgical infrastructure investments

Dr Mbarak Bahjaj, the County Executive Committee Member for Health, said the successful procedure highlights the impact of recent investments in surgical infrastructure.

“The successful procedure is not just a technical achievement; it represents growing confidence in our ability to handle specialised cases locally. This means our residents no longer need to travel far or dig deep into their pockets for life-saving care.”

The surgery was performed in the newly upgraded Minimally Invasive Theatre at King Fahd Hospital, part of Lamu County’s broader initiative to improve access to advanced medical services.

The specialised unit, launched by Governor Issa Timamy, is a major addition to King Fahd’s growing surgical capabilities. It features advanced equipment, including a small camera that can be inserted through the mouth into the throat and stomach to accurately diagnose gastrointestinal conditions such as hyperacidity, gas-related issues, ulcers, internal hernias, and other digestive disorders.

Governor Timamy said the facility would bring much-needed relief to patients who previously had to travel to Mombasa for similar services.

King Fahd Hospital has recently emerged as a regional leader in specialised care.

In 2024, it became the first hospital in Kenya to perform a supine percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), a procedure to remove large kidney stones. The operation was conducted in partnership with Turkish urologist, Dr Akif Erbin, and supported by international collaborators, including Doctors Worldwide and TİKA.

During a joint urology and gynaecology medical camp held at the hospital last year, 35 complex procedures, including laser treatments for kidney stones, prostate surgeries, and gynaecological operations, were performed free of charge, offering patients access to care that would otherwise be prohibitively expensive.

The hospital now runs regular specialist clinics in urology and gynaecology every Monday and Friday.