Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 13, 2026
Single Port Donor Nephrectomy
Published on: March 12, 2011
Retroperitoneal robot-assisted live-donor nephrectomy: A single-center study
Rashed Rowaiee1, Mandana Gholami1, Waldo Concepcion2
1College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Background:
As the demand for kidney transplants continues to increase globally, healthcare institutions face a challenge to bridge the gap between patients waitlisted for kidney transplants and the number of donors. A major factor influencing the donor's decision is the operative risk and potential complications of the surgery. Open surgical approaches have been vastly replaced with laparoscopic donor nephrectomies as the standard of practice. However, there is a growing body of evidence pointing towards its potential superiority over laparoscopic methods. In this study, we aim to present our experience on outcomes of Robotic-Assisted Live Donor Nephrectomies (RALDN), the first series of its kind in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Methods:
We retrospectively collected data from patients who underwent RALDN at Mediclinc City Hospital. Demographic data, laboratory investigations, and operative details were collected and analyzed.
Results:
Seven patients underwent RALDN between 2021 and April 2022 at our facility. Four donors were male while three were female. Median length of hospital stay was 4 days. In our study, one of the patients suffered from a Clavien-Dindo grade IV complication which necessitated prolonged admission.
Conclusion:
We conclude that RALDN is a safe method for donor kidney procurement, carrying a low risk of morbidity and mortality. This method could potentially evolve the number of kidney donors to address the issue of high kidney transplant demand.
Insights
Robotic-Assisted Live Donor Nephrectomies (RALDN) demonstrate safety and low complications for kidney donation. This innovative approach may increase donor numbers to meet transplant demand.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Surgical Innovation
- Transplant Surgery
Background:
- Increasing global demand for kidney transplants highlights a critical donor shortage.
- Minimizing donor operative risk is crucial for increasing live kidney donation.
- Robotic-assisted live donor nephrectomy (RALDN) is emerging as a potentially superior alternative to laparoscopic methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the initial outcomes of Robotic-Assisted Live Donor Nephrectomies (RALDN) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of RALDN for kidney donor procurement.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective data collection from patients undergoing RALDN at Mediclinc City Hospital.
- Analysis of demographic data, laboratory results, and operative details.
Main Results:
- Seven RALDN procedures were performed between 2021 and April 2022.
- The median hospital stay was 4 days.
- One patient experienced a Clavien-Dindo grade IV complication requiring extended hospitalization.
Conclusions:
- RALDN is a safe procedure for kidney donor procurement with low rates of morbidity and mortality.
- This technique holds potential to increase the number of kidney donors, addressing the high demand for transplants.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Kidney Transplant I: Introduction
01:26Kidney Transplant II: Surgical Procedure