MTRH Performs Kenya’s First TIPS Procedure in Major Breakthrough for Specialized Liver Care
Specialists at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital perform Kenya's first Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS) procedure, a landmark achievement that expands access to advanced liver care in the country. Photo: Courtesy.
By Robert Mutasi
Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) has successfully performed Kenya’s first Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS) procedure, a major medical milestone expected to improve treatment for patients with advanced liver disease and strengthen the country’s specialized healthcare capacity.
The minimally invasive procedure was carried out by the hospital’s team of interventional radiologists on a patient suffering from advanced liver disease and life-threatening complications caused by portal hypertension, a condition in which pressure builds up in the vein that carries blood from the digestive organs to the liver.
The TIPS procedure involves creating a channel inside the liver that redirects blood flow, reducing pressure in the portal vein and preventing complications such as recurrent internal bleeding and fluid accumulation associated with liver cirrhosis.
Hospital officials described the achievement as a landmark in Kenya’s healthcare sector, saying it demonstrates that highly specialized procedures can now be performed locally, reducing the need for patients to seek treatment abroad.
The breakthrough was made possible through the establishment of an advanced angiographic suite at MTRH, combined with years of specialist training, mentorship and collaboration under the AMPATH Radiology Partnership.
The angiographic suite allows doctors to perform complex image-guided procedures using minimally invasive techniques, reducing the need for conventional surgery while improving patient recovery and clinical outcomes.
Dr. Cornelius Kipchirchir, a consultant interventional radiologist at MTRH, said the successful procedure represents a significant step forward for specialized healthcare in Kenya.
“Successfully performing Kenya’s first TIPS procedure is a significant achievement and demonstrates that highly specialized interventions can be safely and effectively delivered locally,” Kipchirchir said.
“This milestone offers hope to patients who previously had limited treatment options and highlights the potential to expand access to advanced interventional radiology services in the region.”
Dr. Daniel Chepsiror, also a consultant interventional radiologist at the hospital, said the availability of the angiographic suite has expanded the hospital’s ability to provide advanced medical care.
“The availability of our angiographic suite has opened new possibilities for advanced patient care,” Chepsiror said. “Performing the TIPS procedure allowed us to apply specialized skills acquired over many years and represents the beginning of a broader range of high-end interventional radiology procedures that will benefit patients across the region.”
MTRH Chief Executive Officer Dr. Phillip Kirwa said the achievement reflects the hospital’s continued investment in innovation, specialist training and strategic partnerships.
“This milestone reflects the transformative impact of strategic partnerships, investment in advanced medical technology and sustained capacity building of our specialists,” Kirwa said.
He said the successful procedure demonstrates that life-saving interventions previously available only outside the country can now be offered locally, improving access to quality healthcare while reducing the financial burden on patients and their families.
“As we continue to strengthen interventional radiology services, we are positioning MTRH as a regional center of excellence for minimally invasive procedures that offer better clinical outcomes, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery and improved quality of life for patients,” Kirwa said.
The procedure was performed during an interventional radiology training camp that brought together specialists from MTRH, the AMPATH Radiology Partnership and the United States to strengthen local expertise in advanced minimally invasive care.
The training was led by Dr. Matt Johnson, associate director of Global Health for Radiology and professor of radiology at the Indiana University School of Medicine.
During the training camp, the medical team also completed several other complex procedures, including retrieval of a guidewire from the aorta, placement of internal biliary drains and angioplasty to treat venous blockages.
Hospital officials said the milestone signals a new era in specialized healthcare delivery at MTRH and underscores the impact of sustained investment in modern medical technology, international collaboration and specialist training.
The hospital said it will continue expanding its interventional radiology services to improve access to advanced treatment for patients in Kenya and across the East and Central African region.
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