Kenya has made global medical history after a team of surgeons at the country’s top referral hospital, the Kenyatta National Hospital, successfully performed what is believed to be the world’s largest gigantomastia surgery. The team removed 20.86 kilograms of breast tissue from a 17-year-old girl in a record-breaking 11-hour operation that has been hailed as a landmark in surgical excellence and innovation.
The procedure, conducted on September 22 and announced a month later, has given the teenager a new beginning after nearly two years of pain and isolation. Her condition had worsened rapidly over 18 months, leaving her unable to walk or attend school due to the extreme weight and discomfort.
Gigantomastia is an extremely rare medical condition that causes excessive and uncontrollable breast growth. It can occur spontaneously or be triggered by hormonal changes such as puberty or pregnancy. The condition often leads to chronic pain, back and shoulder strain, skin infections, and emotional distress, making even basic physical movement difficult. Fewer than a handful of such cases are reported worldwide each year, and most require major reconstructive surgery to restore normal function and improve quality of life.
“I feel free, lighter, and ready to return to school,” she said after the surgery. “Now I can finally pursue my dream of becoming a teacher and live a normal life again.”
The complex surgery was led by Dr Benjamin Wabwire, Head of Specialised Surgery and Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon at Kenyatta National Hospital. He described the success as both a technical and emotional triumph.
“This was not just a successful operation; it was the restoration of dignity and the renewal of a young woman’s future,” said Dr Wabwire. “Our team demonstrated that Africa has the expertise and compassion to manage even the most challenging medical conditions.”
The operation brought together Kenyan and South Korean specialists, including Professor Lew and Dr Kim from Yonsei University in South Korea, alongside Dr Claire Odero, Dr Agnes Wanjiru, and Dr Joy Mwangi from Kenyatta National Hospital. Anaesthesia was managed by Dr Eileen Towett and Dr Hellen Mwari, while a dedicated nursing team led by Esther Munga and Eun Jin Chae provided continuous care throughout the procedure and recovery.
The girl’s mother described the experience as a journey from despair to hope. “We had almost lost faith until we came to Kenyatta National Hospital,” she said. “The doctors and nurses treated my daughter with compassion and gave her back her confidence and her future.”
Kenyatta National Hospital’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, Dr Richard Lesiyampe, praised the surgical team for setting a new benchmark for medical excellence from Africa.
“This success shows that world-class medical breakthroughs are happening right here in Africa,” he said. “It reflects our growing ability to deliver advanced healthcare solutions with global precision and a deeply human touch.”
The teenager has since been discharged and is recovering well at her home in Mwingi, Kitui County. She is expected to return to school in January 2026, full of renewed strength and optimism.
According to Kenyatta National Hospital, the removal of 20.86 kilograms of breast tissue is believed to be the largest gigantomastia surgery ever recorded on a teenager anywhere in the world.
This achievement has not only transformed one young girl’s life but also placed Kenya, and Africa as a whole, firmly on the global map of medical innovation and excellence.
Africa Global News publication.