In Abu Dhabi, surgeons utilized a robot to transplant a kidney from a donor to a recipient, marking a major achievement for the emirate.
The first-ever simultaneous robotic kidney transplant in Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi marks a milestone for the UAE’s sole multi-organ transplant center. A group of specialists from Cleveland Clinic US worked together with the surgeons in Abu Dhabi.
The process included UAE citizens and the person receiving the treatment was found to have advanced kidney failure. The operations were done at the same time in different operating rooms with just one robotic system. This system replicates the actions of the surgeons. Surgeons can use smaller incisions for operations thanks to precise movement, 3D vision, high magnification, and improved ergonomics, as opposed to traditional open surgery. The less invasive technique decreases bleeding, minimizes trauma, and promotes quicker patient recovery.
“Today, we are commemorating an important achievement in organ transplantation thanks to Abu Dhabi’s top-notch infrastructure and the outstanding abilities of its healthcare professionals,” stated.
Dr. Rashed Obaid Alsuwaidi is the executive director of the Healthcare Workforce Planning Sector at the Department of Health in Abu Dhabi.
Dr George Haber, CEO of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, and a globally recognized urology surgeon, spearheaded the groundbreaking procedure. Teamwork is key to advancements in healthcare, and this significant accomplishment demonstrates the importance of collaboration in driving medical progress.
Our collaboration with Cleveland Clinic in the US shows our mutual dedication to advancing innovation in transplant surgery and making top-notch medical skills available to patients in Abu Dhabi and the surrounding area.
Through continuous partnership with Cleveland Clinic US, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is enhancing its ability to perform these complicated surgeries autonomously.
Dr. Bashir Sankari, head of Urology at the Surgical Subspecialties Institute in Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, stated that although they currently work with international partners every three months, they are dedicated to enhancing their own abilities to better assist donors and recipients in the upcoming year.
Dr Mohamed Eltemamy, a physician on the staff of the Urology Department at the Cleveland Clinic in the United States, praised the collaboration. The team’s expertise and dedication are reflected in the successful incorporation of robotic technology into our transplant procedures.
In the future, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi plans to broaden the use of robotic technology beyond kidney transplants. Dr. Bashir stated that our team is investigating the possibility of robotic liver transplants, with early achievements in partial hepatectomies. We see the potential for this technology to be used in a wider range of applications in order to help a larger number of patients.
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has performed seven successful surgeries with the assistance of robots in the past. Initially designed for performing prostatectomies and treating kidney cancer, this new method has been modified for kidney transplant recipients with the main goal of reducing the size of incisions and discomfort after surgery.
