UAE Achieves Medical Milestone with First Robotic Bilateral Kidney Transplant
Abu Dhabi, January 20, 2025 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, part of the M42 group, has successfully performed the UAE’s first robotic bilateral kidney transplant from a deceased donor, marking a groundbreaking achievement in the region’s healthcare sector.
The innovative procedure involved the simultaneous transplantation of two kidneys from a single deceased donor into a 78-year-old Emirati patient with end-stage renal disease. The patient, who had been on hemodialysis for three years, required the bilateral approach as neither kidney alone could meet his metabolic needs. This advanced technique optimized renal function, enhancing his recovery and long-term health.
A Breakthrough in Minimally Invasive Surgery
Led by Dr. Bashir Sankari, Chair of Urology at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, the procedure utilized robotic-assisted technology to deliver a minimally invasive solution, reducing recovery time and improving outcomes. “This robotic bilateral kidney transplantation represents a critical advancement for patients with compromised organ function, offering greater longevity and improved quality of life,” Dr. Sankari said.
Robotic-assisted surgery enables unparalleled precision, leveraging magnified 3D high-definition visualization to connect blood vessels and the urinary tract through a single small incision. This approach minimizes infection risks and postoperative complications, critical for high-risk patients like the recipient, who also had secondary diabetes mellitus.
Dr. Mohamed Eltemamy, lead robotic surgeon at Cleveland Clinic, Ohio, highlighted the significance of the technique: “Robotic kidney transplantation expands the donor pool and reduces waiting times while ensuring faster recovery and better outcomes.”
A Regional Leader in Transplant Innovation
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has positioned itself as the region’s leader in robotic and transplant surgeries. Since launching its transplant program in 2017, the hospital has performed over 700 transplants, including 310 kidney transplants. Pioneering achievements include the first “triple kidney swap” as part of the Paired Kidney Donation Program and the first simultaneous kidney transplant using a single robot.
Dr. Georges-Pascal Haber, CEO of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, emphasized the milestone’s impact: “This achievement underscores our commitment to delivering world-class care and pushing the boundaries of medical excellence. It is a testament to our dedication to improving patient outcomes through cutting-edge technology.”
The patient, who faced significant dialysis-related complications, was discharged just days after the procedure. His successful recovery highlights the transformative potential of robotic surgery in providing life-saving treatments with enhanced precision and reduced risk.
This landmark achievement reaffirms Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s status as a global healthcare destination, bringing innovative, life-saving procedures to the region.