Operation International has been working with the leadership in Kakamega, Kenya. Total knee replacement surgeries will take place a the County General Hospital, Kakamega. The goal is to develop a long-term collaboration with the local hospital and surgeons to provide care for the local patients. Our secondary goals are to train the local surgeons with complex cases, train the local staff, and at the same time establish patient care protocols to help improve outcomes. The mission will consist of approximately 50 total knee replacements for patients severely affected by arthritis.
This area/hospital serves a population of 1.5 million residents. Patients severely affected by knee arthritis will be served.
40-50 Total Knee Joint Replacements
I just returned from a medical mission with Operation International Team Ortho to Kakamega, Kenya last week. As my first mission It was a memorable and very meaningful trip. The orthopedic surgeons on our team performed approximately 26 knee replacements on patients with severe osteoarthritis that was impacting their quality of life, and in many cases their ability to work and provide for their families. During preop assessment of candidates we diagnosed and started treatment for Diabetes, CHF, and HTN among other medical issues. Postoperatively our physical therapist and team instructed and educated patients and their families in necessary rehab/therapy, helped with pain control, and managed one individual with a septic knee and the above medical problems. The Kakamegan people are truly inspiring – very motivated to get back on their feet, and resilient despite difficult circumstances due to poverty and lack of easy access to health care. I benefitted from meeting and working with them as much as they benefitted from our care.
