King’s College Hospital London - Dubai successfully performs first living donor kidney transplant

King’s College Hospital London-Dubai successfully carried out their first living donor kidney transplant. The operation was performed preemptively, prior to the recipient requiring dialysis, using robotic-assisted surgery. This approach resulted in a quicker recovery and a shorter hospital stay for the patient. This successful procedure established a comprehensive living donor kidney transplant program in Dubai, encompassing evaluation, surgery, healing, and ongoing care for both donors and recipients.

The patient had been suffering from IgA nephropathy, a condition that had caused progressive kidney disease. Early detection by her nephrologist, Dr. Rachna Sahityani, allowed the transplant team to assess her condition and plan the transplant before she needed dialysis, known as a pre-emptive kidney transplant. For eligible patients, this approach is typically linked with better results.

After thorough medical and compatibility evaluations, a family member was deemed suitable to donate a kidney. The donor’s kidney was removed via robotic-assisted surgery at King’s College Hospital Dubai. This minimally invasive technique uses smaller incisions, which aids the donor's recovery and enables an earlier discharge. The donor returned home three days following the procedure. The kidney was then successfully transplanted into the recipient. Both donor and recipient are recovering well post-operation.

The case brought together experts from transplant surgery, nephrology, anesthesia, intensive care, specialist nursing, and allied clinical services, highlighting the multidisciplinary nature of the King’s Transplant Centre in Dubai. Dr. Rehan Saif, Consultant HPB and Abdominal Transplant Surgeon, emphasized how performing the first living donor kidney transplant is a significant step for King’s College Hospital Dubai.

The team's ability to conduct robotic donor nephrectomy and recipient transplantation locally demonstrates their expertise and coordination. Most crucially, both the donor and recipient are recuperating well from their procedures.

Dr. Siddiq Anwar, Consultant Nephrologist and Clinical Professor of Medicine, noted that kidney transplantation is the optimal long-term treatment for kidney failure in suitable patients. This case highlights the importance of early referral, thorough assessment, and coordinated multidisciplinary care. Dr. Anwar also praised Dr. Rachna Sahityani for her early referral, which facilitated assessment and planning before dialysis became necessary.

He stressed how kidney transplantation enhances what the King’s Transplant Centre can offer in the UAE, as the same multidisciplinary team remains closely involved throughout the entire transplant journey.

The introduction of kidney transplantation expands the King’s Transplant Centre's offerings in the UAE. The same skilled team will continue to support patients from the initial decision-making stage, preparation for surgery, recovery, and long-term care. Dr. Tashfeen Siddiq Ali, Chief Medical Officer, stated that this milestone marks the growth of their transplant program in Dubai.

With the successful integration of kidney transplantation, more patients can now receive this specialized care closer to home, with the same dedicated team by their side from start to finish.