Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi Executes First Robotic Kidney Transplants Simultaneously

Photo : Abu Dhabi Media Office

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, a prominent member of the M42 group, has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in the field of organ transplantation by performing its first simultaneous robotic kidney transplant for both a donor and recipient using a single robot. This landmark procedure highlights the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi’s (DoH) ongoing commitment to advancing organ transplantation through the integration of cutting-edge science, technology, and best practices, positioning Abu Dhabi as a leading global healthcare hub.

The innovative surgery involved two UAE nationals, a related donor and recipient, with the latter suffering from end-stage renal failure. The complexity of the operation necessitated exceptional coordination between two surgical teams—one for the donor and one for the recipient. Both procedures were conducted simultaneously in separate operating rooms, employing a single robotic system with unparalleled precision.

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The robotic surgical system used in the procedure provides enhanced dexterity, 3D vision, high magnification, and superior ergonomics. It enables surgeons to perform intricate tasks through smaller incisions compared to traditional open surgery, resulting in reduced blood loss, minimized trauma, and a quicker recovery period.

Dr. George Haber, CEO of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, led the surgical team for this pioneering operation. He emphasized the significance of collaborative efforts in medical advancements, stating, "Collaboration is at the heart of medical progress. This achievement underscores our shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation in transplant surgery, ensuring world-class expertise is accessible to patients in Abu Dhabi and the wider region."

Dr. Rashed Obaid Alsuwaidi, Executive Director of the Healthcare Workforce Planning Sector at the DoH, praised the achievement, noting, "The Abu Dhabi healthcare sector has made remarkable strides in ensuring the health and well-being of patients in the emirate and beyond. This milestone in organ transplantation reflects Abu Dhabi’s world-class infrastructure and the exceptional skills of its healthcare workforce. Such initiatives solidify the emirate’s position as a leading global healthcare destination."

Dr. Bashir Sankari, Chair of the Urology and Surgical Subspecialties Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, highlighted the transformative potential of robotic surgery. He remarked, "Our attempt to use a single robot for both donor and recipient transplants was driven by the promising outcomes of robotic surgeries. Having previously used robotic technology for donor and recipient procedures separately, we determined that both could benefit from the same robot simultaneously. As the UAE’s first multi-organ transplant facility, we continuously enhance our treatment approaches to serve our patients better."

In collaboration with Cleveland Clinic in the US, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is expanding its capabilities to perform these advanced surgeries independently. Dr. Sankari noted, "Simultaneous robotic transplants require a unique blend of transplant and robotic surgical expertise, meticulous planning, and coordination. While we currently work with our global counterparts quarterly, we aim to develop our own capabilities to better serve donors and recipients in the near future. We are also exploring the potential for robotic liver transplants, having seen initial successes in partial hepatectomies."

Dr. Mohamed Eltemamy, Staff Physician in the Department of Urology at Cleveland Clinic in the US, praised the collaboration, stating, "Our partnership with Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has once again proven its strength, bringing cutting-edge technology to the Gulf region. The successful integration of robotic technology into our transplant procedures highlights our teams’ dedication and expertise, marking a significant advancement in medical innovation and patient care."

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, as the UAE's first multi-organ transplant facility, has previously completed seven successful robotic-assisted donor surgeries. Initially utilized for prostatectomies and kidney cancer procedures, this innovative approach has been adapted for kidney transplants with the goal of minimizing incision size and post-surgery discomfort. The hospital now plans to extend the use of robotic technology to additional transplant procedures.