Aga Khan University Hospital Pioneers The First Full Arm Replantation Surgery In East Africa

Aga Khan University Hospital has achieved a major surgical milestone after successfully performing a complex full-arm replantation surgery to reattach a patient’s completely amputated right arm following a severe industrial accident.

This is the first documented procedure of its kind in the East Africa region, marking a significant advancement in the country's specialised surgical care capacity to manage complex traumatic injuries.

The patient was brought to the hospital as an emergency after the accident and the clinical team responded with speed to stabilize his vitals given the severity of the injuries sustained in preparation for advanced surgical care. Following stabilization, a multidisciplinary surgical team was mobilised to undertake the highly complex and time-sensitive procedure which lasted for 10 hours.

Speaking about the milestone, Dr Esther Gathura, Section Head and Consultant Plastic, Hand and Reconstructive Surgeon at Aga Khan University Hospital, said the procedure required exceptional surgical precision, specialised microsurgical expertise and close coordination among several medical teams.

“Unlike replanting digits or a hand, replanting a completely amputated arm is an exceptionally complex procedure requiring a careful balance between preserving life and restoring limb function. Surgeons must rapidly re‑establish blood circulation while precisely reconnecting bones, muscles, tendons, and major nerves. The success of this operation highlights what can be achieved through specialised surgical expertise, timely intervention, and coordinated multidisciplinary care,” said Dr Gathura.

The procedure brought together specialists from Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery, Vascular Surgery, Anaesthesia and Critical Care. The orthopaedic team, led by Dr Edward Jenner, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, played a critical role in restoring and stabilising the arm's skeletal structure, creating the foundation for successful reattachment.

Dr Jenner noted that the procedure highlighted the importance of collaboration between surgical disciplines in managing complex traumatic injuries.

“Successful limb replantation requires more than reconnecting the amputated part. The underlying bone structure must be stabilised and the various tissues carefully restored to give the limb the best possible chance of recovery. Working closely with our colleagues across specialties was essential in achieving this outcome,” he said.

The patient is currently stable, having stepped down from intensive care monitoring. The reattached arm is showing good progress and the patient has started early rehabilitation to support the gradual recovery of movement and sensation.

“We are encouraged by the patient's progress, with the reattached arm remaining viable and showing good blood supply,” said Dr Gathura.

The achievement builds on the hospital's growing experience in complex reconstructive surgeries. Earlier this year, Aga Khan University Hospital also successfully performed surgery to reattach three amputated fingers of a woman who had sustained severe injuries in a workplace accident. The patient has since recovered and back to her normal life.

These milestones reflect the hospital's commitment to advancing specialised surgical care through clinical expertise, innovation and multidisciplinary teamwork, while expanding access to complex, life-changing procedures in Kenya and the wider region.