First Deceased Donor Liver Transplant Successfully Performed at Burjeel Medical City – Health

The medical team at Burjeel Medical City (BMC) in Abu Dhabi has achieved a remarkable feat by successfully performing a liver transplant surgery for a 66-year-old patient, Fatima, who had been battling liver cirrhosis and liver cancer for two years. This life-saving procedure was made possible thanks to a deceased 23-year-old donor, who selflessly donated their liver to give Fatima a new lease on life.

Fatima’s health journey began with a diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis, a condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks liver cells. In 2022, she was further diagnosed with decompensated liver cirrhosis, a serious condition that impairs liver function. A year later, she developed hepatocellular carcinoma, a form of liver cancer. Despite the severity of her condition, Fatima remained hopeful as she sought treatment at BMC under the care of Dr. Rehan Saif, Director of the Burjeel Abdominal Multi-Organ Transplant Program.

After BMC became part of the Deceased Donor Liver Transplant Program, Fatima underwent a thorough pre-transplant evaluation and was placed on the waitlist of the Emirates Organ Transplant Centre and Ministry of Health and Prevention for six months. Despite being called for a transplant three times previously, she faced setbacks as the donor liver was not a suitable match due to various clinical reasons.

However, the fourth time proved to be the charm as the Organ Transplant Team confirmed a suitable donor match for Fatima. The medical team at BMC wasted no time in carrying out the organ retrieval and subsequent liver transplant surgery. This complex procedure required a collaborative effort from various departments within the hospital, including the nursing and rehabilitation teams, as well as the administrative staff, Transplant Manager, Transplant Coordinator, and a social worker.

Dr. Rehan described the surgery as extremely challenging, but expressed satisfaction in Fatima’s current recovery progress with a healthy functioning liver graft. The success of this liver transplant at BMC not only highlights the hospital’s expertise in advanced medical procedures but also showcases the UAE’s commitment to providing top-notch healthcare services to its residents.

Dr. Rehan emphasized the importance of BMC’s new program in expanding their scope of care to encompass both adult and pediatric liver diseases, including both deceased and living donor liver transplantation. This initiative aims to offer invaluable services not only to patients in the UAE but also to individuals from around the world who may benefit from BMC’s specialized medical expertise.

The successful liver transplant surgery at BMC serves as a beacon of hope for patients like Fatima, who are in need of life-saving interventions. It underscores the dedication and skill of the medical professionals at BMC in delivering exceptional healthcare services and reaffirms the UAE’s position as a leader in the field of advanced medical treatments.