Medics at MTRH during the specialised procedure on a patient at MTRHMoi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) has successfully performed Kenya’s first Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS) procedure.
The hospital says the development marks a major step in the expansion of specialised healthcare services in the country.
The minimally invasive procedure was carried out by MTRH interventional radiologists on a patient suffering from advanced liver disease.
The patient had life-threatening complications linked to portal hypertension, a condition caused by increased blood pressure in the vein that carries blood from the digestive organs to the liver.
Hospital officials say the procedure is a significant breakthrough for patients with severe liver conditions. TIPS is a highly specialised interventional radiology technique.
It creates a new pathway for blood flow through the liver. This reduces pressure in the portal vein. It also helps prevent serious complications such as recurrent internal bleeding and fluid accumulation associated with liver cirrhosis.
MTRH says the success was made possible by the recent establishment of an advanced angiographic suite at the hospital. The facility allows specialists to perform complex image-guided procedures using minimally invasive techniques.
It reduces the need for conventional surgery and improves patient outcomes. The achievement was also supported by years of specialist training, mentorship, and collaboration under the AMPATH Radiology Partnership.
“Successfully performing Kenya’s first TIPS procedure is a significant achievement and demonstrates that highly specialised interventions can be safely and effectively delivered locally,” said Dr Cornelius Kipchirchir, Consultant Interventional Radiologist at MTRH.
“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 MTRH, described the procedure as a landmark moment for the specialty.
He said, “The availability of our angiographic suite has opened new possibilities for advanced patient care. Performing the TIPS procedure allowed us to apply specialised 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 praised the development as evidence of the hospital’s focus on innovation and partnerships. “This milestone reflects the transformative impact of strategic partnerships, investment in advanced medical technology, and sustained capacity building of our specialists,” the CEO said.
“The successful performance of Kenya’s first TIPS procedure at MTRH demonstrates that highly specialised, life-saving interventions can now be delivered locally, reducing the need for patients to seek treatment abroad while improving access to quality healthcare within Kenya and the region.”
The CEO added that the hospital is working to strengthen interventional radiology services.
“As we continue to strengthen interventional radiology services, we are positioning MTRH as a regional centre of excellence for minimally invasive procedures that offer better clinical outcomes, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery, and improved quality of life for patients. We remain committed to advancing specialised healthcare through innovation, collaboration, and investment in cutting-edge medical expertise.”
The procedure was conducted during an Interventional Radiology Training Camp held at MTRH. The camp brought together MTRH-AMPATH faculty and specialists from the United States. It aimed to strengthen local capacity in advanced minimally invasive care.
During the camp, doctors also carried out other complex procedures. These included retrieval of a guidewire from the aorta, placement of internal biliary drains, and angioplasty to treat venous blockages.
The training camp was led by Dr Matt Johnson, Associate Director of Global Health for Radiology and Professor of Radiology at Indiana University School of Medicine.
MTRH says the milestone signals a new phase in specialised healthcare delivery. It highlights the impact of long-term partnerships, mentorship, and investment in advanced medical technology in improving patient care across Kenya and the wider East and Central African region.
Medics at MTRH who carried out a specialised liver procedure on a patient at the hospital 
