King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSH&RC) has carried out the world’s first series of single-port robotic liver resections from living donors, representing a significant step forward in organ transplantation.
These procedures were performed through a single incision of no more than 3.5 cm, replacing the multiple incisions typically required in conventional robotic surgery. This approach helps reduce surgical pain, speeds up recovery, and maintains high safety standards.
The milestone by KFSH&RC is especially important for donor safety, as living donors are healthy individuals undergoing surgery to help others. The six procedures performed showed minimal blood loss, no complications, low pain levels, and patients were discharged within two to three days.
This technique is also beneficial for pediatric transplants, as it often involves the left lateral segment, about 20 percent of the liver, making it well suited for single-port access while reducing the surgical burden on the donor.
Prof. Dieter Broering, Executive Director of the Organ Transplant Center of Excellence, noted that this achievement of KFSH&RC reflects a carefully structured expansion of robotic liver surgery, built on extensive clinical experience. He added that KFSH has performed more than 1,600 robotic living donor liver resections, the highest number worldwide, supported by a progressive model that integrates training, simulation, and phased clinical implementation.
This accomplishment further strengthens KFSH&RC’s standing as a global leader in robotic surgery and organ transplantation, advancing care models that balance innovation with patient and donor safety. It also aligns with the goals of Saudi Arabia’s Health Sector Transformation Program and the hospital’s vision to deliver world-class specialized care.
KFSH&RC is ranked first in the Middle East and North Africa and 12th globally among the world’s top 250 Academic Medical Centers in 2026. It is also recognized as the most valuable healthcare brand in Saudi Arabia and the region, according to Brand Finance 2025, and is listed by Newsweek among the World’s Best Hospitals 2026, World’s Best Smart Hospitals 2026, and World’s Best Specialized Hospitals 2026.
