Machakos Level 5 Hospital Makes History with First Laser Vein Surgery

Machakos Level 5 Hospital has achieved a mega milestone by performing the first-ever laser ablation procedure for varicose veins in a county hospital in Kenya. The historic surgery marks a major leap for public healthcare, placing Machakos on the medical map as a center for advanced treatment.

The procedure involved treating a patient suffering from chronic venous insufficiency using a minimally invasive laser ablation technique. This advancement comes at a time when Kenya faces an acute shortage of cardiovascular surgeons, with fewer than 20 specialists serving a population of over 50 million people.

Machakos-based cardiovascular surgeon Dr. Deborah Mutile led the operation and described laser ablation as the safer and faster alternative to traditional vein stripping. “Unlike the old method where veins were stripped manually through large incisions, this laser technology seals the faulty vein from inside, reducing pain, complications, and theatre time,” she explained.

She further emphasized that patients benefit from quicker recovery, minimal scarring, and same-day discharge, making the technology ideal for county hospitals. The modern approach replaces the older vein stripping method, which was painful, costly, and carried higher risks of infection and prolonged hospital stays.

Machakos County Executive for Health Services, Justus Kasivu, praised the hospital team for their dedication and innovation, noting that the service had previously been limited to high-end private facilities. “This breakthrough proves that advanced healthcare can be brought closer to ordinary citizens. All patients already scheduled for the procedure will be attended to soon,” he assured.

The hospital’s Medical Superintendent, Dr. Daniel Katua, hailed the successful surgery as a major milestone for regional healthcare. He said it demonstrated how county hospitals can adopt cutting-edge technology and reduce referrals to overburdened national centers, ensuring faster and more affordable treatment for patients.

With the presence of a resident cardiovascular surgeon in Machakos, experts and leaders alike described the achievement as a “game changer” for the county and a signal that Kenya’s devolved health system can deliver world-class services closer to the people.