UAE — In an extraordinary medical feat, specialists in Abu Dhabi have successfully conducted a triple kidney swap transplant, saving the lives of three patients.
This remarkable procedure was made possible through Abu Dhabi’s Paired Kidney Donation Programme, in collaboration with Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi (CCAD).
CCAD, a leading hospital, has been at the forefront of kidney transplants, having performed a total of 379 transplants since its establishment in 2017.
While the immediate impact of this procedure is undeniable, the implications of initiatives like the Paired Kidney Donation Programme extend far beyond individual success stories.
In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as in many other countries, the burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is growing, with patients enduring prolonged waiting periods on transplant lists, jeopardizing their lives.
However, programs like the Paired Kidney Donation Programme offer a glimmer of hope, as they help reduce waiting times, alleviate the strain on dialysis services, and improve overall healthcare outcomes for individuals grappling with kidney disease.
The need for swapping donated organs arises when a potential donor willingly offers their organ, only to discover that it is not a medical match for the intended recipient.
Dr. Bashir Sankari, the institute chair for urology at the Surgical Subspecialties Institute of CCAD, shed light on the intricacies of this process.
He explained that factors such as blood group, genetic differences, or the presence of antibodies can render a sibling incompatible as a donor for their ailing sister, or a husband unable to donate a kidney to his wife.
However, by exploring the compatibility of unrelated individuals, a solution emerges: each pair can receive a compatible kidney, leading to successful transplantation and, ultimately, the saving of lives.
CCAD’s collaboration with another local hospital to accomplish the remarkable feat of three simultaneous transplants further solidifies the UAE’s reputation as a sought-after healthcare destination in the region.
Patients in search of compatible donors and the opportunity to combat kidney failure can benefit from the expertise and resources available within the country.
The Paired Kidney Donation Programme plays a crucial role in shortening waiting lists for donors and improving outcomes for patients, reflecting its alignment with the National Programme for Donation and Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissue – ‘Hayat.’
Esteemed healthcare authorities and organizations, including the Ministry of Health and Prevention, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, and the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company, lend their support to this vital initiative.
Looking to the future, CCAD is exploring the expansion of this successful programme to Cleveland Clinic in the United States.
This expansion would create additional opportunities to provide life-saving solutions for patients suffering from kidney disease and significantly increase the availability of organs, benefiting both UAE citizens and residents.
Dr. Sankari emphasizes the critical importance of organ donation, urging individuals to consider becoming donors, regardless of whether the recipient is a family member, friend, or unrelated individual.
By promoting a culture of organ donation, the UAE can take substantial strides in addressing the growing burden of CKD, which affects a significant portion of the population.
Recent studies have indicated that the prevalence of CKD stages 3–5 among UAE nationals is as high as 4.6% in males and 2.8% in females.
Shockingly, up to 90% of people suffering from CKD are unaware of their condition, underlining the urgent need to raise awareness and close the knowledge gap surrounding this public health priority.
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