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By Mercy Kachenge
Nairobi, Kenya:Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has set yet another groundbreaking medical milestone after a team of dedicated surgeons successfully removed a record 20.86 kilograms of breast tissue from a 17-year-old girl suffering from a rare condition known as gigantomastia.
The landmark surgery, performed on September 22, 2025, is believed to be the largest of its kind globally and has given the patient, Lydia Musivi, a new lease on life after 18 months of debilitating pain and emotional trauma.
Gigantomastia, a disorder characterized by excessive and rapid breast tissue growth, had severely impacted Lydia’s mobility, self-esteem, and mental well-being.
The immense weight of her breasts equivalent to 37 percent of her total body weight led to chronic pain, skin infections, and immense difficulty performing simple daily activities.
Her dreams of pursuing education slowly faded as standing, walking, and attending school became unbearable.
“The weight is now over. I feel free, lighter, and ready to return to school,” Lydia said following surgery. “I can finally live the life I was meant to live and follow my dream of becoming a high school teacher.”
The complex 11-hour operation was led by Dr. Benjamin Wabwire, Head of the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at KNH. He emphasized that the surgical breakthrough was not only a clinical success, but also a deeply human triumph.
“This was more than a surgical success; it was the restoration of a young woman’s dignity and future,” he stated. Dr. Wabwire further noted that the procedure demonstrates how world class skill, technological capability, and compassion can combine to confront extreme medical challenges. “We are not just treating conditions; we are transforming lives.”
The multidisciplinary team behind the operation included leading experts Professor Lew and Dr. Kim from South Korea’s Yonsei University, working alongside KNH’s Dr. Claire Odero, Dr. Agnes Wanjiru, and Dr. Joy Mwangi. The anaesthesia team was led by Dr. Eileen Towett and Dr. Hellen Mwai, while nursing care was coordinated by Ms. Esther Munga and Ms. Eun Jin Chae, who supported Lydia from admission to recovery. Together, the team delivered seamless, patient-centered care across all stages of treatment.
Lydia’s mother, Ms. Naomi Mutwendwa, described the journey as one filled with anxiety and helplessness. She recounted how her daughter’s personality transformed under the burden of the illness.
“I watched my daughter disappear under the weight of this illness. It stole her confidence and her future,” she said.
The family had initially sought help at Garissa County Referral Hospital before finally being referred to KNH. “The team here saw the girl, not just the condition.
They didn’t just treat her; they gave me back my daughter. They have given her a second chance at life.”
KNH Acting Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Richard Lesiyampe, applauded the achievement as a reflection of Kenya’s growing capacity for high-level medical innovation. He noted that such breakthroughs prove that Africa can address complex health challenges locally while contributing to global medical progress.
“We are solving local health challenges with a global standard of innovation and a deeply human touch, setting new benchmarks for patient-centered care,” he said.
Lydia has been discharged and is recuperating at her home in Mwingi, Kitui County. Her recovery is progressing well, and she looks forward to resuming school in January 2026. With renewed confidence and freedom, she hopes to reunite with her classmates and rebuild the academic path she was forced to abandon.
This historic surgery reinforces KNH’s reputation as a beacon of medical excellence in Africa, where expertise, empathy, and innovation continue to merge in service of dignity, hope, and improved quality of life.
