Garissa County Teaching and Referral Hospital successfully performed its first-ever Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) on Thursday advancing access to specialized healthcare services in the region.
Chief Executive Officer Mahat Sheikh Salah hailed the telemedicine-assisted procedure as evidence of the hospital’s growing capacity to deliver modern, high-quality surgical care.
“This milestone reflects the dedication, expertise, and teamwork of our medical professionals. Performing the first Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery in the region demonstrates that the facility is steadily expanding access to high-quality, specialized healthcare services for our people,” said Mahat.
The groundbreaking surgery was led by senior general surgeon Dr. Ghasai, supported by Dr. Mohamednur, Yussuf Salat, and laparoscopic theatre technician Mohamed Omar.
The procedure is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the chest. During the operation, surgeons made small incisions through which they inserted a tiny camera, known as a thoracoscope, and specialized surgical instruments, enabling them to perform the procedure with enhanced precision while minimizing tissue damage.
Using high-definition imaging and telemedicine support, the surgical team was able to visualize the patient’s chest cavity in real time, enhancing collaboration and precision throughout the procedure.
Mahat noted that the minimally invasive approach offers more benefits over conventional open chest surgery, including smaller incisions, less postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery, and fewer complications.
He congratulated the surgical team for their professionalism and dedication, reaffirming the hospital’s commitment to investing in innovation, modern medical technology, and specialist training.
The successful operation marks another step in the hospital’s transformation into a regional centre of excellence, reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for complex surgical interventions while bringing advanced healthcare services closer to communities in Garissa and the wider North Eastern region.
The facility offers specialized medical care, expanded training opportunities, and enhanced collaboration among healthcare professionals as the county continues to embrace digital health and telemedicine solutions.
