KNH: How Doctors Tried Saving Child With Fork Jembe Lodged In Head

The Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has given its detailed account of events that led to the unfortunate death of a two-year-old boy who had a fork jembe lodged in his skull.

In a statement dated Wednesday, October 12, the hospital noted that the boy was brought to the facility upon recommended referral from Thika Level V Hospital following the incident that occurred at the boy's home in Kilimambogo, Kiambu County.

A team of doctors at the KNH emergency wing conducted treatment as well as investigations to determine how they could safely manage the situation.

An image of the child who was admitted at KNH hospital with a garden fork lodged in his head. /SOLOMON KIMANI

"The patient arrived at KNH at 6.30 pm but the circumstances and timing of the injury remain unclear. 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 management approach.

"At the KHN A&E, the patient was received in the critical care unit for immediate stabilisation and surgery," the statement read in part. 

The hospital added that clinical examinations and investigations on the boy, including a computerized tomography (CT) scan and blood tests, confirmed penetrating injury into the brain, brain swelling with ongoing bleeding and possible infection.

In addition, the ability of his blood clot was impaired, requiring correction before any surgical intervention.

A process of correcting the detected anomalies by giving blood products and medication, while monitoring the patient's response was immediately commenced.

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

However, in the theatre, the boy developed complications and resuscitation attempts were futile.

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

The hospital conveyed its message of condolences to the parents and family at large for their loss and termed the injury as very serious and unfortunate.