Story Lorraine Anyango and Photos by Ian Obadha
The Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) has marked another significant milestone with the successful completion of a pneumonectomy, the surgical removal of an entire lung. This is the first procedure of its kind at the hospital and follows the recent launch of its specialized cardiothoracic and vascular surgery unit.
The complex operation, performed this week, involved removing the damaged left lung of patient Pamela Achieng, a mother of eight, who had been suffering from an aspergilloma—a severe fungal infection.
This is the second major surgery completed by the new unit, which was established just a month ago. The unit’s first procedure, conducted last week, was an esophagectomy (removal of the esophagus) to treat a case of esophageal cancer.
A Life-Changing Operation
For Pamela Achieng, the surgery marks the end of years of debilitating illness. Achieng had endured chronic cough, intense chest pain, and frequent vomiting of blood and foul-smelling pus, which made eating unbearable.
“I started ailing in 1999,” Achieng recounted. “I was first diagnosed with TB and took medication twice, but to no avail.” With her husband immobile after an accident and one child deaf, Achieng was the primary provider, farming green leafy vegetables. Her declining health prevented her from working, putting a severe strain on her family.
Now, she is symptom-free, discharged, and ready to return home. “I am now grateful that what caused me to constantly vomit blood and smelly pus is now behind me,” she said, expressing relief and hope for her future.
Surgical Expertise and Future Plans
The successful operation required meticulous planning and excellent post-operative care. The surgical team was led by Dr. Juma Odoro, who explained the necessity of the procedure:
“Aspergilloma is a localized fungal infection in the lung that commonly occurs after Pulmonary tuberculosis. It grows over time and damages the lungs. If not controlled early by surgery, it could lead to damage to the other lung, which can be catastrophic. Surgery is therefore the only effective treatment,” said Dr. Odoro.
Dr. Odoro was assisted by a dedicated team, including Dr. Robert Sadia, Dr. Vincent Ooko, Dr. Brian Sipul, Dr. Nyamari, and Dr. Sipul. The nursing team was led by Mr. Joshua, and the dedicated ICU team by Nurse Edith Okoth.
JOOTRH has confirmed that its new cardiothoracic and vascular surgery clinic is now fully operational and ready to serve the region and beyond, offering treatment for similar complex cases.
