Saudi hospital scores world’s first with robotic living donor liver transplant

RIYADH, Oct 30: In a historic achievement, the Organ Transplant Center of Excellence (OTCoE) team at King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSH&RC) has successfully performed the world’s first fully robotic living donor liver transplant in Saudi Arabia — a move that solidifies KFSH&RC’s position as a global leader in minimally invasive transplant surgery.

KFSH&RC’s pioneering approach employed state-of-the-art robotic technology to conduct both donor and recipient surgeries with precision and minimal invasiveness, eliminating the need for a hybrid approach, it said in a statement.

While other centres offer minimally invasive liver transplants using mixed techniques, KFSH&RC is the only centre to complete a fully robotic living donor liver transplant surgery successfully. This accomplishment represents a significant leap forward in the history of transplantation, a testament to the centre’s commitment to advanced practices that enhance healthcare outcomes, improve the patient experience, and boost hospital operational efficiency. It has also led to a reduction in the risk of complications, recovery time, and the length of hospital stays.

KFSH&RC has set records in successfully conducting reciprocal kidney transplants, a medical approach that facilitates kidney transplants between two donors from different families simultaneously. In 2022, the program achieved a remarkable milestone by completing 91 reciprocal transplants, surpassing its international counterparts.

KFSH&RC’s OTCoE is a pioneer in Saudi Arabia, representing one of the most advanced and comprehensive facilities for multi-organ transplantation in the Middle East. Its services encompass kidney, liver, lung, pancreas, and intestine transplants, collectively called solid organ transplantation. KFSH&RC is globally renowned for its exceptional contributions to specialised healthcare, commitment to innovation, and dedication to advanced medical research and education.

KFSH&RC is also steadfast in its pursuit of developing medical technologies and elevating the standard of healthcare globally by collaborating with major local, regional, and international institutions. It is committed to delivering world-class clinical, research, and educational services.

— BERNAMA