Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi performs UAE’s first robotic bilateral kidney transplant

UAE—Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, part of the M42 group, has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in the UAE’s healthcare sector by performing the country’s first robotic bilateral kidney transplant from a deceased donor.

This pioneering surgery involved the simultaneous transplantation of two kidneys from a single donor to a 78-year-old Emirati patient suffering from end-stage renal disease.

The patient had been on hemodialysis for three years before the procedure.

Traditionally, kidney transplants involve a single kidney, but in this case, both kidneys were needed because each one alone couldn’t meet the patient’s metabolic needs.

 By transplanting both kidneys, the medical team ensured optimal renal function, improving the patient’s chances of long-term recovery.

This technique is particularly beneficial when donor kidneys are smaller or have reduced function, which can sometimes occur with deceased organ donors.

Dr. Georges-Pascal Haber, CEO of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, expressed pride in the team’s achievement and emphasized the hospital’s leadership in medical innovation.

He noted that this robotic bilateral kidney transplant not only sets a new standard for the hospital but also advances the entire region’s healthcare capabilities.

The use of robotic-assisted technology in this complex procedure offers a less invasive option, reduces recovery time, and enhances long-term outcomes for patients.

After facing several complications during dialysis, the patient is now showing significant improvement following the surgery.

Dr. Bashir Sankari, Chair of the Urology Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and the lead surgeon, highlighted the importance of this new approach.

He explained that the robotic technique allows for the simultaneous transplant of both kidneys, which can optimize renal function and lead to better long-term outcomes.

Dr. Sankari stressed that the hospital is committed to continually pushing the boundaries of medical innovation to improve patient care.

Dr. Mohamed Eltemamy, lead robotic surgeon at Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, also praised the advancement, stating that robotic bilateral kidney transplantation expands the donor pool and reduces waiting times.

The robotic method, which uses enhanced precision and 3D HD vision, enables the procedure to be performed through a small incision, resulting in quicker recovery and better outcomes.

The use of robotics provides high-definition, 3D visualization, allowing for accurate placement of the kidneys and connection of blood vessels and the urinary tract.

This minimally invasive approach reduces the risk of infection and other complications common in traditional transplant procedures.

The patient, who had also been managing secondary diabetes, was considered high-risk for traditional surgery.

The robotic transplant minimized the risks associated with larger, more invasive procedures.

Just days after the surgery, the patient was discharged earlier than expected compared to a conventional transplant.

This robotic success is part of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s broader commitment to integrating cutting-edge technologies across specialties, including urology, cardiac surgery, and oncology.

With over 700 transplants performed, including 310 kidney transplants since 2017, the hospital is a leader in transplant surgery and minimally invasive techniques.

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has previously made history by performing the UAE’s first simultaneous kidney transplant using a single robot and completing the first ‘triple kidney swap’ as part of the Paired Kidney Donation Program.

With this latest achievement, the hospital continues to set new standards in transplant surgery, offering hope to patients in need of life-saving procedures.

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