Photo: X/Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has successfully conducted its first simultaneous robotic kidney transplant for both a donor and a recipient. This pioneering surgery was performed at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, part of the M42 group, in collaboration with Cleveland Clinic USA.
The procedure involved a UAE National donor and recipient, who were treated in separate operating rooms using the same advanced robotic system. This technology allows the robot to mimic the precise movements of surgeons, resulting in a minimally invasive approach that offers several benefits, including reduced trauma, less blood loss, and quicker recovery times.
Dr. Rashed Obaid Alsuwaidi from the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi praised this achievement, stating that it underscores Abu Dhabi’s growing reputation as a leading global healthcare destination. “This accomplishment reflects our commitment to advancing healthcare and offering world-class medical services in the UAE,” he said.
Dr. George Haber, CEO of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, also highlighted the importance of international collaboration in pushing the boundaries of medical innovation. “Working together with our colleagues in the USA has allowed us to achieve this milestone, which represents a significant step forward in the use of robotic technology in complex surgeries,” Dr. Haber noted.
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, which is the UAE’s first multi-organ transplant facility, has been at the forefront of integrating robotic technology into its surgical procedures. The hospital is also exploring the use of this technology in liver transplants. Prior to this latest achievement, the clinic successfully completed seven robotic-assisted donor surgeries, consistently aiming to minimize incision sizes and improve overall patient outcomes.
This latest development marks a significant advancement in the UAE’s healthcare sector, reinforcing its position as a hub for cutting-edge medical procedures and innovative treatments.