2024-10-24 14:50:00
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSHRC) has achieved a global milestone with the first fully robotic left lobe liver transplant from a living donor. The new technique led by Prof. Dieter Broering, Executive Director of the Center of Excellence in Organ Transplantation, promises all the benefits of robotic transplantation – greater precision, reduced recovery times and fewer complications – to a broader segment of patients.
Living donor liver transplants are typically confined to right lobe grafts. The advancement of robotics in left lobe liver transplants offers new hope for patients previously considered ineligible for minimally invasive transplant surgery due to their anatomical challenges.
The procedure was performed on two patients: a 26-year-old with terminal liver disease due to Autoimmune Hepatitis and a 48-year-old with Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBC). The KFSHRC medical team used the latest robotic system to transplant left lobe grafts from living donors. The technique improved outcomes for recipients and donors. The precision of the robotic system allowed for better surgical visualizations. Both cases reported positive patient outcomes, with minimal blood loss and short ICU stays (2-4 days).
KFSHRC has strengthened its position as a global leader in robotic transplant surgeries. In 2023, it performed the world’s first fully robotic liver transplant from a living donor, followed by 31 fully robotic liver transplants. In 2024, he was highlighted by the world media with his first fully robotic heart transplant.
It is worth mentioning that KFSHRC was ranked first in the Middle East and Africa and 20th worldwide in the list of Top 250 Academic Medical Centers for the second consecutive year and was recognized as the most valuable healthcare brand in the Kingdom and the East Medium, according to the 2024 Brand Finance ranking. Furthermore, in the same year, it was ranked among the 250 best hospitals in the world, being included in the World’ Best Smart Hospitals list of 2025 by the prestigious Newsweek magazine.
For more information, visit www.kfshrc.edu.sa or contact our media team at [email protected].
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Interview with Prof. Dieter Broering on the Landmark Robotic Liver Transplant
Interviewer: Good afternoon, Prof. Broering. Thank you for joining us today. Congratulations on the incredible achievement at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center. Can you tell us what it means to perform the world’s first fully robotic left lobe liver transplant from a living donor?
Prof. Dieter Broering: Thank you for having me. This milestone is significant not only for our hospital but for the global medical community. It represents a breakthrough in robotic surgery, particularly in transplant procedures, which have traditionally relied on right lobe grafts from living donors. This new technique provides greater surgical precision, reduces recovery times, and minimizes complications for patients.
Interviewer: That’s remarkable. What specific challenges did you face when transitioning from right lobe to left lobe transplants, and how did robotic technology assist in overcoming these?
Prof. Dieter Broering: The primary challenge with left lobe transplants has been the anatomical complexities associated with the liver’s structure. Robotic technology offers enhanced visualization and dexterity, allowing surgeons to navigate these complexities more effectively. Our surgical team was able to improve the outcomes for both the donors and recipients, ensuring a safer and more efficient procedure.
Interviewer: You mentioned that the procedure was performed on a couple of patients with serious liver conditions. What were their conditions, and how did they respond post-surgery?
Prof. Dieter Broering: One patient was a 26-year-old with terminal liver disease caused by Autoimmune Hepatitis, and the other was a 48-year-old with Primary Biliary Cirrhosis. I’m pleased to report that both patients have responded incredibly well; they experienced minimal blood loss during surgery and had short stays in the ICU, averaging just 2 to 4 days. Their recovery progresses are promising, which reinforces our hope for this new approach.
Interviewer: King Faisal Specialist Hospital has positioned itself as a leader in robotic transplant surgeries. What do you think sets your team apart from others around the world?
Prof. Dieter Broering: Our team is dedicated to advancing the field through continuous innovation and research. We’ve successfully performed several fully robotic liver transplants and even made headlines with our first fully robotic heart transplant. Additionally, our rankings in global healthcare affirm our commitment to excellence, and having a skilled and passionate team is crucial to what we achieve.
Interviewer: Looking ahead, what potential do you see for robotic-assisted surgeries in the field of organ transplantation?
Prof. Dieter Broering: The potential is vast. As technology evolves, we anticipate that robotic systems will allow us to tackle increasingly complex transplants. This could mean better outcomes for patients and opening the door to more individuals who may have previously been deemed ineligible for surgery due to their medical or anatomical challenges.
Interviewer: Thank you for your insights, Prof. Broering. It’s clear that you and your team are on the cutting edge of medical innovation. We wish you continued success.
Prof. Dieter Broering: Thank you very much. It’s an exciting time in the field, and we’re committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in transplantation.
E world in this field?
Prof. Dieter Broering: Our commitment to innovation and excellence in robotic surgery truly sets us apart. We have a talented and dedicated team that constantly seeks out the latest advancements in technology and techniques. Our track record of performing various robotic transplants—including liver and heart procedures—has established a culture of learning and adaptability. Furthermore, we invest heavily in training our staff to ensure they are at the forefront of this rapidly evolving field.
Interviewer: It’s encouraging to see such positive outcomes. Looking ahead, what do you envision for the future of robotic liver transplants? Do you foresee this technique becoming more widespread?
Prof. Dieter Broering: Absolutely. As we share our findings and success stories, I believe more institutions will adopt this innovative approach. The benefits of robotic left lobe liver transplants could make them a viable option for patients who were previously ineligible for similar surgical procedures. Our hope is that in the near future, this will become a standard practice, ultimately improving patient care across the globe.
Interviewer: Thank you, Prof. Broering, for sharing your insights with us today. Your work is truly inspiring, and we look forward to seeing how these advancements will continue to shape the field of transplant surgery.
Prof. Dieter Broering: Thank you for having me. It’s a privilege to share our journey, and I look forward to the future developments in this exciting field.
