Tanzania’s Muhimbili National Hospital has successfully performed four kidney transplant procedures using minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, a breakthrough expected to improve patient recovery and strengthen the country’s specialised healthcare services.
The advanced surgical technology uses small incisions and specialised instruments, enabling doctors to conduct kidney transplants with greater precision while reducing pain, blood loss and the length of hospital stay for both patients and kidney donors.
Kidney transplant specialist Dr Jonathan Mgumi said the new approach has significantly improved the safety and recovery process for donors, allowing them to return to their normal activities much faster than with conventional open surgery.
“The use of laparoscopic surgery has enhanced the quality of kidney transplant services by reducing complications and speeding up recovery for both donors and recipients,” he said.
Dr Mgumi noted that Muhimbili will continue investing in modern medical technologies to strengthen specialised and super-specialised treatment services in Tanzania and reduce the number of patients seeking such care abroad.
The successful procedures were carried out by a team of Muhimbili specialists led by Dr Emanuel Minja, a Tanzanian transplant surgeon based in the United States and an expert in laparoscopic kidney transplant surgery.
Dr Minja said the introduction of the technology marks an important step in improving the efficiency and precision of kidney transplant services in Tanzania.
He explained that the minimally invasive approach lowers surgical risks and shortens recovery time, enabling patients and donors to regain normal health conditions sooner.
The achievement adds to ongoing efforts by Muhimbili to expand access to advanced healthcare services locally as the hospital continues to strengthen its position as the country’s leading referral and specialised treatment centre.
