KFSHRC Achieves First Robotic Surgery for Spleen and Gallbladder Removal in Sickle Cell Patient
King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH&RC) has successfully performed a groundbreaking robotic surgery procedure to remove the spleen and gallbladder of a 10-year-old girl suffering from severe spleen enlargement due to sickle cell anemia, marking a significant advancement in minimally invasive surgical techniques.
First-of-Its-Kind Robotic Surgery in Western Region
This procedure represents the first of its kind in the Western Region for treating such complex cases. The advanced surgical technique was selected due to the complexity of the case, utilizing 3D visualization and high-precision control to perform both procedures in a single intervention through small surgical incisions.
The advanced robotic system, equipped with four arms, enabled precise control of blood vessels and sensitive tissues, contributing to reduced blood loss, enhanced surgical safety, and accelerated recovery time for the young patient.
Advanced Technology Versus Traditional Methods
Traditional surgical approaches for such cases typically rely on open surgery or conventional laparoscopy, often requiring separate procedures for spleen and gallbladder removal. This conventional method may result in more extensive surgical intervention, greater blood loss, longer hospitalization periods, and slower recovery times.
The robotic surgery approach provided a more precise method that enabled combining both procedures into a single intervention, particularly beneficial for pediatric patients with sickle cell anemia who face higher surgical risks.
Multidisciplinary Team Success and Hospital Recognition
The successful outcome resulted from seamless integration between specialized medical teams, including pediatric surgeons, anesthesiologists, hematologists, and nursing teams. This collaboration achieved smooth recovery and reduced hospitalization time with careful pre and post-operative monitoring.
KFSH&RC has been ranked first in the Middle East and Africa, and 15th globally among the world’s top 250 academic healthcare institutions for 2025. The hospital was also recognized as the highest-value healthcare brand in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East by Brand Finance 2024, and included in Newsweek’s lists of best hospitals worldwide for 2025, best smart hospitals for 2026, and best specialty hospitals for 2026.
