MTRH Otolaryngologists Participate in February 2019 ENT Camp

The first AMPATH Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) camp occurred in 2010 after a successful exploratory visit. These camps, which take place every February, are a time where North American otolaryngologists join their counterparts at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) to see patients in clinic and perform surgeries. MTRH and North American physicians are able to complete 30 to 50 life-changing surgeries for patients at each camp.

MTRH Otolaryngologists (L to R): Drs. Henry Ngoitsi, Makaya Denge, Owen Menach, and Titus Sisenda

During the February 2019 ENT Camp, four MTRH otolaryngologists spent time in operating theatre collaborating on a variety of cases, primarily Head/Neck, Rhinology, and pediatric otolaryngology.

During the six OR days, the team assisted 31 patients with severe ENT-related conditions, including eleven thyroidectomies, four FESSs, a parotidectomy, a branchial cleft cyst, two thyroiglossal duct cysts, two submandibular gland excisions, a large facial mass with reconstruction, and a large neck lipoma. Joining the team in camp were two Nairobi ENT PGY-4 residents, Dr Kareithi Wilson and Dr. John Mwai as well as two practicing otolaryngologists (and friends of Henry Ngoitsi’s), Dr. Geoffrey Otumu from Kiisi and Dr. Kelly Okumu from Kericho.

Their help was particularly valuable for a woman who was, at the last minute, felt to be a poor surgical candidate; they stepped in to explain the situation to her in Bantu as well as Swahili, helping her understand the decision making in her own language.

Educational Activities

In theatre, the camp stressed anatomic dissection, surgical technique, including basic and advanced skills, and nerve identification and preservation. Both Kenyan and US physicians participated in every case. In addition, Robert Saddawi-Konefka, MD PhD provided a lecture on the anatomy of the balance system to a group of MTRH medical students. “They were well prepared,” Rob noted. Over 60 Kenyans, some old and some new friends, helped during the camp and were awarded certificates of participation.

North Americans included Team Leader Susan Cordes, MD and Kyle Cordes from Ukiah CA, Bruce Campbell, MD and Kathi Campbell, RN from Milwaukee WI, Diana Sullivan, RN from Indianapolis, three residents from UC-San Diego (Aria Jafari, MD, Bharat Panuganti, MD, and Robert Saddawi-Konefka, MD), and UCSD Masters in Clinical Research student Sarek Shen.

Special Thanks - ASANTE SANA!

We are very grateful to all of our supporters, donors, and friends who make this possible. Thanks to the reps who go the extra mile and come up with supplies. Thanks to the friends at our home institutions who set aside great items that would otherwise end up in landfills.

Thanks to the people at AMPATH who have built a remarkable partnership and infrastructure that makes our trips possible.

Thanks to our great friends and colleagues at MTRH who prepare for our visits, arrive early, stay late, and work tirelessly for the patients.

ENT Camp 2020

Tentative dates: February 2 - 14, 2020 (subject to change)

For information, contact Susan Cordes, MD (susancordes@att.net) or Bruce Campbell, MD (bcampbell@mcw.edu).

For a fun sampling of what camp and safari are like, check out Cordes Travels (www.cordestravels.blogspot.com)

Ways to Help

Surgical supplies are always welcome. We can always use “disposable expensive” items (Bovie pads, bipolars, FloSeal, etc.)

Financial support: Online via AMPATH site: https://bit.ly/2GK1Zpg
Please include ENT Camp under Additional Comments.

Mail: Support for AMPATH/Kenya ENT Camp

Indiana Institute for Global Health (IIGH)
Rotary Circle, Suite RO 101
Indianapolis IN 46202