For eight long years, 51 year -old Dormitila Yula hid her face. What began as a simple pimple on her nostril in 2017 slowly unraveled into a medical ordeal that stole not only her comfort but also her confidence. For years, she had lived with nasal blockage, but when the small blemish appeared, she thought little of it. After she popped it, the wound never healed.
This marked the start of a challenging journey. Referred to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), she underwent tests that revealed a growth in her nasal passage. Doctors performed reconstructive surgery, using skin from her forehead and bone from her rib to rebuild part of her nose. While the procedure brought some relief, a persistent infection took hold in her right nostril and eye.
By 2020, the infection had spread deeper, and after extensive tests, Dormitila received a life-altering diagnosis: Squamous Cell Carcinoma, a form of skin cancer. Her fight required an all-out effort. She endured two complex plastic and vascular surgeries led by a team including Dr. Adeline Vilembwa, Dr. Benjamin Wabwire, and Dr. Loice Kahoro, followed by 33 sessions of radiotherapy and 40 days of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The treatment was grueling, but it worked, Dormitila was declared cancer-free.
Yet, her battle was not over. While she was healthy, the effects of her surgeries left her feeling ashamed and withdrawn. For eight years, she lived with bandages on her face, hiding from the world.
In 2024, a new multidisciplinary team at KNH committed to helping Dormitila reclaim not just her health, but her life. They devised a pioneering plan: a custom-made silicone prosthesis to recreate the natural contours of her nose, anchored by zygomatic implants placed securely in her cheekbone. This complex procedure, the first of its kind in Kenya, required two months of virtual planning and a meticulous six-hour surgery.
On September 10th, 2025, Dormitila Yula made history as the first person in Kenya to receive this groundbreaking zygomatic implants retained nasolabial prosthesis. But for her, the milestone was far more personal.
“KNH has given me a new lease on life,” Dormitila shared emotionally. “For eight years, I covered my face in shame. But now, I have a new nose. I can walk comfortably, go about my daily business, and sing in my church choir with confidence. I’m forever grateful.”The final, surgical procedure was successfully performed by a team led by Dr. Adeline Vilembwa and Dr. Andrew Okiriamu, both consultant maxillofacial and oral surgeons, alongside Dr. Margaret Mwasha, a consultant prosthodontist.
Today, Dormitila’s story stands as a powerful testament to resilience, innovation, and the transformative power of multidisciplinary care at Kenyatta National Hospital, a journey made possible by the dedicated efforts of many specialists at every critical stage.
