27 KIDNEY PATIENTS BENEFIT FROM VASCULAR ACCESS SURGERIES AT MAKUENI REFERRAL HOSPITAL.

Twenty-seven patients undergoing dialysis at the Makueni County Referral Hospital and other hospitals have successfully received arteriovenous fistula procedures, a critical form of vascular access that significantly improves the effectiveness and safety of dialysis.

The surgeries were conducted by a team of seven specialists from Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), who have been stationed at the facility since Wednesday.

The team, led by Dr. Tom Omulo, is in Makueni courtesy of Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr., following a partnership between the County Government of Makueni, KNH, and the University of Nairobi.

Dr. Omulo explained that arteriovenous fistulas offer kidney failure patients a safer and more permanent access to dialysis compared to catheter insertions, which are more susceptible to infections, clotting, and disconnection.

The initiative has drawn patients from neighboring counties, including Kitui and Machakos.

According to Dr. Harvey Mulei, the Chief Officer for Health, Administration, Human Resource and Management, the county is exploring further collaboration with KNH to train its healthcare workers in vascular access procedures to enhance local capacity.