Historic Split Liver Transplant Marks Milestone in UAE Medical Care: A Breakthrough at King’s College Hospital Dubai
Dubai: In a landmark achievement for organ transplant surgery in the United Arab Emirates, King’s College Hospital London in Dubai has successfully performed the nation’s first split liver transplant. This groundbreaking procedure has provided new hope and extended life to two patients: a six-month-old infant and an adult, thus underscoring the advancements in medical capabilities within the region.
The procedure involved the innovative surgical technique of in-situ splitting, wherein a single donor liver was meticulously divided to cater to the needs of both patients. The infant, suffering from biliary atresia, received a third of the liver, while the remaining two-thirds were transplanted into an adult with primary sclerosing cholangitis, a severe liver disease that necessitates transplant for survival.
Professor Mohamed Rela, who heads the Liver Transplant Centre of Excellence at King’s College Hospital Dubai, elaborated on the surgical intricacies involved. “This is unique because this was the first time a liver was divided and shared between an adult and a pediatric patient in the UAE,” he explained. “The donor operation itself is very complicated, as the liver has to be divided during the donor retrieval. Both transplants were executed simultaneously in separate operating theaters with different teams of surgeons. It’s gratifying to report that both patients are now stable, off ventilators, and no longer in critical condition.”
The journey of the pediatric patient began at just five months old, when jaundice surfaced shortly after birth, signaling a rapid deterioration in liver function. By the time of the transplant at six months, the situation had become critical. Thanks to the timely intervention and the innovative approach of the transplant team, the infant is now recovering well, with liver function tests returning to normal.
Dr. Rajeev Tomar, a consultant pediatrician and director of the Pediatric Liver Transplant Program at King’s College Hospital, expressed pride in the collaborative efforts of the medical team. “This was a very delicate case involving a young baby whose condition was deteriorating rapidly,” he stated. “The success of the surgery and the positive recovery are a testament to the expertise of our transplant team and the integrated approach we take between pediatric and adult care.”
Leading efforts for the adult patient, Dr. Kaiser Raja, a consultant hepatologist and director of the Adult Liver Transplant Program, highlighted the significance of the operation for the broader medical community. “Primary sclerosing cholangitis is a progressive and serious liver disease with no cure except liver transplantation. By successfully completing this split liver transplant and utilizing one organ for two recipients, we have not only made transplant surgery more efficient but have also proven that it’s possible to expand access to lifesaving treatment in the UAE,” he commented.
The successful execution of this procedure positions King’s College Hospital as a forerunner in the field of liver transplantation in the region. It combines internationally recognized medical expertise with innovative local practices. The hospital’s Liver Transplant Centre of Excellence is one of the few facilities in the area capable of undertaking such advanced procedures, benefiting from a fully integrated multidisciplinary team.
Professor Rela summed up the achievement succinctly: “We are proud to have achieved this milestone in the UAE. This is not only a triumph for medical science but also a symbol of what is possible when world-class care and collaboration come together.”
Gratitude is extended to the donor family for their invaluable contribution to this life-saving procedure, a testament to the virtues of organ donation and its profound impact on patients’ lives. King’s College Hospital also acknowledges the essential role played by the Hayat National Program for Organ Donation and Transplantation, as well as the National Center for Organ Donation and Transplantation, whose ongoing efforts continue to transform lives across the UAE.
This pioneering advancement in liver transplantation not only represents a moment of pride for healthcare in the UAE but marks a significant step forward in the realm of surgical innovation. Emphasizing collaboration and advanced medical techniques has set a new standard for future healthcare practices in the region. As the medical community continues to push boundaries, patients can look forward to improved treatment options that save lives and enhance the quality of care.
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