Editor's Review

Kenyatta National Hospital has responded after a two-year-old boy admitted to the facility with a fork jembe lodged in his skull died.

The Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has responded after a two-year-old boy admitted to the facility with a fork jembe lodged in his skull lost his life.

In a statement on Wednesday, October 12, KNH Board Chairman George OoKo said that the boy was brought to the facility on Monday at around 6:30 p.m. with a serious head injury.

He added that the patient was received at the critical care unit for immediate stabilization and surgery as neurosurgeons began their investigations to determine the safest approach.

"He was received at the Accident and Emergency Department and our team including the consultant Neurosurgeons immediately commenced treatment and investigations to determine the safest approach," Ooko stated.

He further maintained that CT scans on the two-year-old boy confirmed a penetrating injury into the brain, brain swelling and ongoing bleeding.

Boy with Fork Jembe lodged in the head. PHOTO | COURTESY

Ooko said that the ability of the patient's blood to clot was impaired and that a process to achieve the same was initiated before surgery.

"The patient's condition continued to deteriorate despite interventions. However, the blood deficit and clotting became acceptable by 8 a.m. of 11th of October 2022 and a decision to proceed with removal of the foreign object was made," read the statement signed by Ooko.

However, Ooko said that the patient developed complications during the surgery and succumbed to the injuries as attempts to resuscitate him failed.

"Following the demise, the parents were invited for a family conference where the chronology of actions was discussed and explained to them as the news of the death was communicated," Ooko added.

KNH management condoled with the family of the deceased maintaining that it was a very serious and unfortunate injury to the minor.