Kisumu: Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) has operationalized fully fledged laparoscopic and endoscopy services following the acquisition of advanced surgical equipment. The newly acquired technology enables surgeons to diagnose and treat internal organs using minimally invasive procedures.
According to Kenya News Agency, the laparoscopic system allows doctors to make small cuts through which thin, flexible tubes fitted with high-definition cameras are inserted, providing real-time images of internal organs during surgery. This contrasts with conventional surgery which involves large incisions. JOOTRH Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Joshua Clinton Okise, highlighted that the upgrade is expected to significantly improve patient outcomes.
Minimally invasive procedures are associated with reduced post-operative pain, a lower risk of infection due to smaller incisions, faster recovery times, and shorter hospital stays. These outcomes are expected to ease pressure on the hospital’s wards. The equipment will support a wide range of procedures across several surgical specialties, in addition to general surgery.
This advancement is expected to improve diagnostic accuracy and expand treatment options for the thousands of patients who seek care at the region’s largest referral facility. Dr. Okise added that the investment underscores the hospital’s commitment to modernising healthcare services and strengthening its capacity to offer specialised care.
‘By investing in advanced equipment, the hospital aims to reduce the need for patient referrals to distant facilities and provide timely, specialised care closer to home,’ stated Dr. Okise. He emphasized that the full operationalisation of laparoscopic and endoscopy services positions JOOTRH as a key centre for specialised healthcare within the Lake Region Economic Bloc, while helping bridge the gap between local healthcare delivery and international medical standards.
The rollout of the fully fledged services means patients from Kisumu and neighbouring counties will no longer need to travel to Nairobi or seek treatment abroad to access advanced endoscopic and laparoscopic procedures.
