Document Type

Article

Department

General Surgery (East Africa)

Abstract

IntroductionAcross sub-Saharan Africa, there is a growing burden of vascular disease amid a paucity of training opportunities. In Kenya, most vascular care is delivered by cardiothoracic, general and orthopedic surgeons with limited access to specialist vascular training. We aim to build capacity to recognize, assess, and manage patients with foot sepsis and limb- or life-threatening vascular disease through structured fundamentals and advanced vascular skills courses supported by a network of local trainers to ensure long-term sustainability.

Methods The inaugural Fundamentals in Vascular Surgery course was held in September 2024, followed in September 2025 by Advanced Skills in Vascular Surgery alongside the second “Fundamentals” course. Structured surveys were administered to participants in both years, with a 1-y follow-up survey distributed to the 2024 cohort to assess application of skills and longer-term impact.

Results Fifty-six participants were trained across the three courses, with all courses oversubscribed. Faculty numbers increased through a faculty development scheme alongside new regional trainers from Ethiopia and South Africa. All participants rated the courses as relevant to their practice and would recommend them to colleagues. At 1-y follow-up, all respondents reported improved perceived ability to assess and manage urgent vascular presentations and to perform fasciotomies, minor, and major amputations. 91.7% had referred patients to a vascular surgeon; 33.3% attended the 2025 Advanced course, with the remainder planning to do so in the future.

Conclusions The program has demonstrated sustained engagement, faculty growth, and oversubscription, underscoring unmet training needs. In collaboration with Surgical Society of Kenya, College of Surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa, and Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh, these courses show potential to strengthen regional capacity in vascular surgery, with Kenya emerging as a training hub.

Publication (Name of Journal)

The Journal of surgical research

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jss.2026.03.047

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