Doctors at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) have achieved a historic medical milestone after successfully removing 20.86 kilograms of breast tissue from a 17-year-old girl suffering from gigantomastia — a rare disorder that causes excessive and rapid breast growth. The groundbreaking 11-hour surgery, performed on September 22, 2025, marks the world’s largest gigantomastia operation ever recorded on a teenager.
The young girl’s condition began 18 months earlier, leading to chronic pain, severe skin infections, and emotional distress. The abnormal growth made walking and standing nearly impossible, forcing her to abandon school and her dream of becoming a teacher. The removed breast tissue accounted for approximately 37 percent of her total body weight.
A multidisciplinary team of Kenyan and South Korean specialists collaborated on the complex reconstructive procedure. The operation not only relieved the girl’s physical burden but also restored her confidence and dignity. After the surgery, she expressed joy and relief, saying she finally felt free, lighter, and ready to return to school to pursue her dream.
According to KNH, the surgery symbolizes both a technical triumph and a profound humanitarian achievement. The medical team emphasized that the operation was about more than removing tissue—it was about restoring a young woman’s future. Their coordinated effort showcased the hospital’s growing ability to handle complex cases using global best practices and cutting-edge surgical innovation.
The patient’s mother expressed deep gratitude to the medical team, recalling the despair she felt as her daughter’s condition worsened. She credited KNH for offering hope when all seemed lost, saying that the doctors not only treated her daughter’s illness but gave her back her life.
Following the procedure, the teenager made a full recovery and has since been discharged to her home in Mwingi, Kitui County. She is expected to resume school in January 2026.
KNH’s leadership hailed the success as a landmark achievement, affirming Kenya’s growing prominence in advanced healthcare. The hospital reaffirmed its commitment to delivering world-class medical solutions while maintaining a strong focus on patient-centered care.
This historic surgery not only transformed a young girl’s life but also positioned Kenya as a rising center for medical excellence in Africa, demonstrating how compassion, innovation, and expertise can converge to create life-changing impact.
