Three robot-assisted kidney transplants performed in Abu Dhabi

The three operations were the result of a collaborative effort by Dr. Bashir Sankari, Chairman of the Institute of Surgical Subspecialties at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, and Dr. Waleed Hassen, Head of the Department of Urology, as well as Clinic experts. Cleveland USA, Dr. Georges-Pascal Haber, Enterprise Professor and Chair of Urology and Dr. Mohamed Eltemamy, Senior Kidney Transplant and Robotics Surgeon.

Dr. Haber said: “The collaborative achievement of performing three complex kidney transplants using robotic surgeries in the United Arab Emirates highlights the advancement in live-related transplants. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is at the forefront of providing complex, technologically enhanced, world-class care to patients in the UAE and the region, and we are proud to be their partners in introducing this cutting-edge innovation to improve outcomes. of patients and save more. lives.”

The robotic surgical system used for these procedures allows for high-precision and minimally invasive surgeries, offering benefits such as reduced pain, minimal blood loss, smaller scars, shorter recovery times, lower risk of infection and better clinical outcomes, which represents a paradigm shift in the field of medicine and healthcare. The surgeon controls a console that provides a high-definition 3D view of the surgical site. Specialized instruments attached to robotic arms mimic the surgeon’s movements with a greater range of motion and more precise control. The surgeon’s orders are translated in real time to carry out very complex procedures with precision.

Dr. Sankari said, “As the country’s first and only multi-organ transplant center, we continue to invest in innovative technologies and expertise, delivering unparalleled experiences and outcomes to patients. The adoption of robotic-assisted kidney transplantation reaffirms our position as innovators in healthcare, raising the overall standard of medical practice both locally and in the wider region. “This is a promising option for patients with end-stage renal disease and provides new opportunities for personalized care.”

In 2019, Cleveland Clinic marked a major milestone with the world’s first successful single-port robotic kidney transplant. Initially developed for prostatectomies and kidney cancer procedures, this innovative approach has been adapted for kidney transplant patients with the primary goal of minimizing incision size and postsurgical discomfort.