Chennai’s Robotic Revolution: World’s First Child Liver Transplant By Dr. Mohamed Rela

Image Source : The Hindu

In a groundbreaking medical achievement, Chennai’s Rela Hospital has successfully performed the world’s first robotic liver transplant on a five-year-old child. Led by renowned liver transplant surgeon Dr. Mohamed Rela, the procedure marks a significant leap in pediatric transplant care, utilizing cutting-edge robotic technology to minimize surgical invasiveness and accelerate recovery.

The Youngest Recipient Of A Robotic Liver Transplant

- The patient, Gurkirat Grover, was born with a rare genetic condition called Urea Cycle Defect, which prevented his liver from properly processing proteins

- Toxic ammonia buildup in his body posed life-threatening risks, making a liver transplant the only viable solution

- His mother, Nikita Kohli, donated a portion of her liver, and both underwent robotic surgeries, ensuring minimal scarring and faster recovery

Why This Surgery Is A Global First

- The procedure was performed entirely using robotic arms, eliminating the need for large incisions

- Both the donor and recipient surgeries were conducted robotically, a first in medical history

- The child was walking within three days and discharged in just seven days, compared to the typical three-week recovery period in traditional liver transplants

Advantages Of Robotic Liver Transplantation

- Reduced blood loss and lower risk of complications

- Faster healing, allowing patients to resume normal activities sooner

- Minimal scarring, improving psychological well-being for young recipients

Future Implications And Medical Advancements

- Dr. Rela’s team has performed over 400 robotic donor surgeries, but this marks the first time a robotic liver transplant was conducted on both a child and the donor

- The success of this procedure paves the way for wider adoption of robotic-assisted transplants in pediatric care

- Experts believe this innovation will revolutionize liver transplantation, making it safer and more accessible

With this pioneering surgery, Chennai has cemented its place as a global leader in medical innovation, offering hope to children battling life-threatening liver conditions.

Sources: NDTV, Business Standard, The Hindu, Times of India.