Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi Performs UAE's First Robotic Bilateral Kidney Transplant From Deceased Donor

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi successfully carried out the UAE's first robotic bilateral kidney transplant from a deceased donor, marking a major achievement for the region's healthcare sector.

The procedure involved transplanting two kidneys from a single deceased donor into a 78-year-old Emirati patient suffering from end-stage renal disease. The patient, who had been undergoing hemodialysis for three years, needed both kidneys transplanted because one kidney alone wasn't enough to meet his health needs.

By transplanting both kidneys, the medical team improved his kidney function, crucial for his recovery and long-term health. This approach is especially helpful when donor kidneys are smaller or have lower function, which can sometimes happen with deceased organ donors, WAM reported.

The procedure set a new standard in transplant surgery by using robotic-assisted technology. This made the surgery less invasive, which means a quicker recovery and better results. The patient, who had experienced many problems during dialysis, is now showing massive improvement in his recovery.

"The successful execution of this robotic bilateral kidney transplant underscores our commitment to delivering world-class care and pushing the boundaries of medical excellence," said Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi CEO Dr. Georges-Pascal Haber.

"This milestone is not only a significant achievement for Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi but also a step forward for the region. Offering our patients access to the most advanced surgical techniques will undoubtedly improve their quality of life," Haber added.

Dr. Bashir Sankari, Institute Chair of Urology at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, led the procedure and highlighted its importance, noting that the robotic bilateral kidney transplant improves kidney function by transplanting two kidneys at once.

This is a major advancement for patients with weakened organs, offering better long-term health and improved results. Sankari also emphasized that Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is dedicated to improving patient care by combining expert knowledge and advanced technology.

Dr. Mohamed Eltemamy, a lead robotic surgeon at Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, explained that robotic bilateral kidney transplant is a major step forward. It helps expand the number of available donors and reduces waiting times.

The robotic technique improves precision by offering 3D high-definition vision and flexibility to perform the surgery through a small incision. This leads to quicker recovery, fewer risks, and better overall results.

Robotic-assisted surgery provides unmatched accuracy, allowing the team to position the kidneys and connect blood vessels and the urinary tract with minimal invasiveness. The high-definition, 3D visualization reduces the risk of infections and complications, which are more common in traditional surgeries.