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Saudi study on robotic liver transplantation among top 10 of 2024

Writer's picture: Caroline HaïatCaroline Haïat

Dr Dieter Broering
Dr Dieter Broering

King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSHRC) has cemented its reputation as a global leader in medical innovation. The American Society of Transplantation has recognized its study on fully robotic liver transplantation as one of the top 10 medical stories of 2024.


The study represents the world’s first series of fully robotic liver transplantations from living donors. The paper highlighted significant advances in robotic-assisted liver transplantation, including significantly reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and improved cosmetic outcomes compared to traditional surgery. Importantly, these results were achieved without increasing complication rates, reinforcing KFSHRC’s leadership in setting new benchmarks for surgical innovation and patient care.


At the heart of this achievement is Professor Dr Dieter Broering, Executive Director of the KFSHRC Centre of Excellence in Organ Transplantation. A world-renowned leader in the field of robotic-assisted surgery, Dr Broering spearheaded the world’s first fully robotic left lobe liver transplant in 2024.


“This achievement highlights the immense potential of robotic transplantation, particularly for procedures previously considered high-risk, and reaffirms our commitment to delivering safer, faster and more effective outcomes for patients worldwide,” said Dr Broering.

The study was published in the Transplantation Journal, the official monthly publication of the Transplantation Society. With over 58 years of history and over 25,000 annual citations, the journal is a vital platform for pioneering research.


In addition, Dr Nabeel Ismaeil, Consultant Cardiology and Cardiovascular Diseases at KFSHRC, is reshaping cardiac care in Saudi Arabia. Through pioneering techniques in interventional cardiology, particularly in the treatment of structural heart disease, he combines innovation with patient-centred care.


By leading critical procedures, such as transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and other minimally invasive techniques, Dr. Ismaeil has pioneered improved patient selection and procedural accuracy. His focus on small aortic annulus cases has set a benchmark for precision and skill in the region, enabling high-risk patients previously considered inoperable to undergo life-changing procedures safely and effectively.


At the GulfPCR-GIM 2021 conference, Dr. Ismaeil presented a complex case of a 67-year-old patient with multiple risk factors who successfully recovered after TAVR, illustrating his combination of technical mastery and meticulous long-term planning.


“Cases like these highlight the intricacies we face in interventional cardiology,” notes Dr. Ismaeil. “They require both technical precision and thoughtful long-term management to ensure optimal outcomes.


A strong proponent of telemedicine, Dr. Ismaeil has helped expand access to cardiac care through KFSHRC initiatives, removing barriers for patients in remote areas. “Telemedicine ensures timely consultations and follow-ups, making care accessible where it is needed most,” he notes.

Dr Ismaeil
Dr Ismaeil

Dr. Ismaeil envisions a future where ethical standards, patient autonomy, and human connection remain central, even as technology evolves. “As physicians, our role is to guide patients with empathy and integrity, ensuring that the human element remains at the heart of medical care.”


Also dedicated to mentorship, Dr. Ismaeil strives to instill technical skills, resilience, and ethical decision-making in young physicians.


His vision for medical education focuses on interdisciplinary collaboration and the integration of new technologies, preparing future cardiologists for the complexities of modern healthcare. Committed to lifelong learning, Dr. Ismaeil dedicates time each week to reviewing the latest research in cardiology, attending conferences, and discussing cases with his peers. He believes that advances in AI, personalized medicine and minimally invasive techniques will redefine cardiology, and he is working to integrate these innovations into patient care.


Caroline Haïat



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