King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC) has performed the world’s first fully robotic left lobe liver transplant from a living donor, marking a groundbreaking achievement in the field of organ transplantation. This innovative procedure offers new possibilities for patients who were previously considered unsuitable for minimally invasive surgery, extending the potential of robotic transplants to a broader group.
The pioneering surgery, led by Professor Dieter Broering, Executive Director of KFSHRC’s Organ Transplant Center of Excellence, reflects the hospital’s leadership in robotic transplant technology. The use of robotics in liver transplantation allows for increased precision, reduced recovery times, and fewer complications for both the donor and recipient.
New Hope for Liver Transplant Patients
Traditionally, living donor liver transplants focus on using the right lobe of the liver, as it is larger and considered easier to transplant. However, KFSHRC’s successful left lobe transplant using robotic technology represents a significant breakthrough. It addresses anatomical challenges that previously made this kind of surgery difficult and risky, thereby opening the door to minimally invasive procedures for more patients.
The procedure was successfully performed on two patients. A 26-year-old woman, who had end-stage liver disease due to autoimmune hepatitis, and a 48-year-old woman suffering from primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) were the recipients of left lobe grafts from living donors. The operations were carried out using the latest robotic systems, which provided surgeons with enhanced visualisation and precision.
According to KFSHRC, both patients experienced minimal blood loss and spent only 2 to 4 days in intensive care following the operations. Their recovery was swift, highlighting the benefits of robotic surgery in reducing post-operative complications and hospitalisation times.
Building on Robotic Transplant Milestones
This latest development comes as part of KFSHRC’s broader efforts to advance the capabilities of robotic surgery. In 2023, the hospital made headlines by performing the world’s first fully robotic liver transplant from a living donor. This was followed by 31 additional robotic liver transplants, further cementing its position as a global leader in this cutting-edge technology.
The hospital achieved another world first in 2024 when it successfully conducted a fully robotic heart transplant, underscoring its expertise in applying robotics to complex medical procedures.
KFSHRC’s Global Recognition
KFSHRC’s achievements in robotic transplant surgery complement its status as a top-tier medical institution. The hospital has been ranked first in the Middle East and Africa, and 20th globally, among the world’s top 250 academic medical centres for two consecutive years. It has also been recognised as the most valuable healthcare brand in both Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, according to the 2024 Brand Finance rankings.
Additionally, KFSHRC has been listed among the world’s best 250 hospitals and was included in Newsweek’s World’s Best Smart Hospitals list for 2025. These accolades highlight the institution’s ongoing commitment to medical innovation and excellence in patient care.
This latest robotic transplant procedure further strengthens KFSHRC’s position as a leader in the global medical community, offering hope to patients worldwide. For more information, visit www.kfshrc.edu.sa
