MTRH Interventional Radiology Performs Kenya’s First TIPS Procedure
Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) has successfully performed Kenya’s first Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS) procedure, marking a major milestone in the advancement of specialized healthcare services in the country.
The minimally invasive procedure was performed by MTRH Interventional Radiologists on a patient with advanced liver disease and life-threatening complications arising from portal hypertension, a condition characterized by increased blood pressure in the vein that carries blood from the digestive organs to the liver.
TIPS is a highly specialized interventional radiology procedure that creates a new pathway for blood flow through the liver, reducing pressure in the portal vein and preventing serious complications such as recurrent internal bleeding and fluid accumulation associated with liver cirrhosis.
The achievement was made possible through the recent establishment of an advanced angiographic suite at MTRH, coupled with years of specialist training, mentorship, and collaboration under the AMPATH Radiology Partnership. The angiographic suite enables specialists to perform complex image-guided procedures using minimally invasive techniques, reducing the need for conventional surgery and improving patient outcomes.
“Successfully performing Kenya’s first TIPS procedure is a significant achievement and demonstrates that highly specialized 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, Consultant Interventional Radiologist at MTRH, described the procedure as a landmark achievement for the specialty.
“The availability of our angiographic suite has opened new possibilities for advanced patient care. 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,” he said.
MTRH Chief Executive Officer lauded the achievement as a demonstration of the Hospital’s commitment to innovation, specialized healthcare, and strategic partnerships.
“This milestone reflects the transformative impact of strategic partnerships, investment in advanced medical technology, and sustained capacity building of our specialists,” said the CEO. “The successful performance of Kenya’s first TIPS procedure at MTRH demonstrates that highly specialized, 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.”
“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 specialized healthcare through innovation, collaboration, and investment in cutting-edge medical expertise.”
The TIPS procedure was performed during an Interventional Radiology Training Camp that brought together MTRH-AMPATH faculty and specialists from the United States to strengthen local capacity in advanced minimally invasive care. During the camp, the team also successfully performed several complex procedures, including 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, Indiana University School of Medicine.
This milestone signals a new era in specialized healthcare delivery at MTRH, where years of partnership, mentorship, and investment are translating into advanced treatment options and improved outcomes for patients across Kenya and the East & Central African region.
