Latest news with #MohamedRela
United News of India
22-05-2025
- Health
- United News of India
In World's first, Chennai hosp performs Robotic liver transplant on 5-year-old
Chennai, May 22 (UNI) Perhaps for the first time in the world, the Chennai-based leading multi-speciality Rela Hospital has successfully performed a Robotic Liver Transplant on the youngest recipient to date-- five-year-old child. This marked a major milestone in the field of robotic and paediatric transplant surgery, combining cutting-edge technology with complex surgical expertise to deliver faster recovery and improved outcomes. Talking to reporters here on Thursday, its Chairman Prof Mohammed Rela said the hospital has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first hospital in the world to perform a robotic liver transplant on a five-year-old child. This makes the child the youngest recipient of a robotic liver transplant globally, marking a major advancement in both paediatric and robotic surgery. The patient (recipient), a five-year-old boy, was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition called Urea Cycle Defect, in which the liver cannot properly process proteins from food, leading to a harmful buildup of ammonia in the blood--a condition that can severely affect the brain. A liver transplant offered a definitive cure. The surgery proceeded smoothly without any complications, and the child was discharged within a week. In contrast, the conventional approach typically requires a hospital stay of 14 to 21 days, he said. The fact that the robotic surgery was performed on a child makes this achievement even more significant, as pediatric bodies offer far less space than adults', posing greater challenges for the insertion and maneuvering of robotic instruments. Remarkably, even the procedure to harvest a portion of the liver from a living donor was carried out using robotic assistance. The donor also had a brief hospital stay and was discharged within five days. Prof. Mohamed Rela said this was the first time in the world, Pediatric liver transplantation has been successfully performed completely using the Robotic Platform. This is a major milestone in the field of surgery itself. This is an extremely complex surgery with delicate microvascular anastomosis techniques. To add to the complexity the operation was also performed as an Auxiliary Liver Transplant which is the most technically complex of all liver transplant operations. This advancement in the field of liver transplantation not only offers rapid recovery with less pain, but also helps with normal psycho-social development of these children during their teen years without a large scar in their abdomen. UNI GV 1625
CairoScene
19-04-2025
- Health
- CairoScene
First Successful Infant Liver Transplant Performed in Dubai
A 13-month-old receives Dubai's first pediatric liver transplant. Apr 18, 2025 In a landmark medical milestone, Dubai has successfully completed its first infant liver transplant, giving 13-month-old Malek a second chance at life. The complex surgery was carried out by world-renowned liver transplant surgeon Professor Mohamed Rela and a multidisciplinary team at King's College Hospital London in Dubai, with full medical and philanthropic backing from Al Jalila Foundation, part of Dubai Health. Malek was born with biliary atresia, a rare and life-threatening liver condition, compounded by a congenital heart defect. Before the transplant, doctors at Al Jalila Children's Hospital performed open-heart surgery to repair a hole in his heart. His father became his living donor — making the procedure possible and ultimately life-saving. This groundbreaking operation aligns with Dubai Social Agenda 33, a strategic vision for global excellence in healthcare. The successful transplant marks a new chapter for organ donation and treatment options in the UAE — removing the need for patients to travel abroad for such critical care. Professor Rela, known for conducting the world's youngest liver transplant on a 5-day-old infant, praised the operation as a 'model of collaboration' between private and public sectors in Dubai. The operation's success is a signal that Dubai is ready to meet the world's most advanced healthcare challenges with precision and global standards.
Gulf Today
18-04-2025
- Health
- Gulf Today
Dubai successfully carries out first infant liver transplant
In a landmark medical breakthrough for the emirate of Dubai and in a testament to the synergy between the public and private healthcare sectors, a medical team at King's College Hospital London in Dubai has successfully performed the city's first liver transplant on a 13-month-old child, with the support of Al Jalila Foundation — the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health. The successful transplant marks another remarkable milestone in Dubai's relentless quest for healthcare excellence, aligning with the objectives of the Dubai Social Agenda 33, which aims to develop a more efficient, high-quality healthcare system in line with the highest global standards. The complex and delicate surgery was led by Professor Mohamed Rela, one of the world's foremost liver transplant surgeons, and was carried out by a multidisciplinary team at King's College Hospital London in Dubai. Al Jalila Children's Hospital played a vital role in preparing for the transplant by providing specialised medical care to both the infant and his father, who donated a portion of his liver. Al Jalila Children's also performed cardiac surgery to repair a hole in the child's heart — a key step that paved the way for the successful liver transplant. The child, named Malek, was born with a rare condition known as biliary atresia, which caused his health to deteriorate despite an earlier surgical procedure to connect his liver to his intestines. He was also diagnosed with a congenital heart defect (atrial septal defect). He was referred to King's College Hospital in Dubai by Al Jalila Children's Hospital, following the cardiac repair procedure, as part of its ongoing commitment to supporting critical humanitarian cases and providing advanced treatment options for children within the UAE. Medical staff of the King's College Hospital London in Dubai and the patient (inset) after the surgery. The collaborative medical intervention by Al Jalila Children's and King's College Hospital London in Dubai and the successful transplant gave the child a renewed chance at life. The surgery was completed successfully, and the patient was discharged in good health. Dr Younis Kazim, Acting CEO of the Health Regulation Sector at the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), said, "The successful liver transplant for a 13-month-old infant represents an unprecedented medical achievement for Dubai. It reflects the healthcare system's readiness and ability to handle the most complex cases with efficiency and professionalism in a dynamic environment that fosters excellence and supports high-value healthcare investments.' Dr Kazim highlighted the Authority's commitment to empowering and developing private healthcare facilities as key partners in delivering specialised services. He noted that the DHA enables this through advanced regulatory frameworks, flexible policies, and continued support to attract top global talent, further reinforcing Dubai's position as a leading regional and global healthcare hub. He added that DHA's efforts to establish comprehensive, internationally-aligned standards for organ transplant procedures in the UAE are rooted in global best practices. These efforts reflect Dubai's model of excellence in service quality, transparency, and governance of medical procedures, ensuring patient safety, enhancing transplant outcomes, and strengthening trust in the city's healthcare system. Dr Kazim concluded by stating that the medical milestone and the integrated care provided to the young patient underscore Dubai's steady and confident progress towards its strategic goal of becoming the world's best city in terms of quality of life, wellbeing, and healthcare. Dr Amer Al Zarooni, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, affirmed that the achievement marks a significant leap forward for Dubai's healthcare sector and reflects Dubai Health's unwavering commitment to elevating the standard of care in line with the highest global standards. Dr Al Zarooni expressed his appreciation to all partners involved in the success of the exceptional procedure, describing it as a model of collaboration between the public and private sectors and charitable organisations. He also praised the vital role of donors and their invaluable contributions to supporting organ transplant programmes backed by Al Jalila Foundation, highlighting their profound impact on the lives of patients with critical medical conditions. He noted that Al Jalila Foundation covered the full medical costs for the infant Malek, including comprehensive pre- and post-operative care provided at Al Jalila Children's Hospital. This support reflects the Foundation's ongoing pledge to provide comprehensive healthcare services to those in need, in line with Dubai Health's guiding principle: Patient First. Al Jalila Foundation signed a cooperation agreement with King's College Hospital London in Dubai during Arab Health 2025. The agreement aims to expand charitable healthcare initiatives in the UAE by supporting organ transplant programmes. Meanwhile, Dr Hanan Ali Obaid, Director of Health Policies and Standards at the Dubai Health Authority, stated that the success of Dubai's first paediatric liver transplant underscores DHA's commitment to providing a comprehensive regulatory environment that meets the highest international standards of patient care and safety. Dr. Obaid emphasised the Authority's focus on adopting advanced and flexible regulatory frameworks that empower healthcare institutions to achieve such complex and precise medical milestones locally. She explained that Dubai's organ transplant standards have been developed in alignment with global best practices, conforming to all medical, ethical, and humanitarian considerations to ensure the efficacy and safety of the procedure aligned with the Authority's vision, values, and principles, which place the individual at the heart of healthcare services. This achievement is part of an integrated system that bolsters patient confidence and reinforces Dubai's status as a global hub for specialised healthcare. Professor Mohamed Rela - who previously performed a liver transplant on a five-day-old infant, a case recorded in the Guinness World Records as the youngest liver transplant globally - explained that Malek's condition was particularly complex due to his young age, low weight, and multiple health complications. He emphasised that the successful outcome highlights the competence of the multidisciplinary medical team and the robustness of the specialised programme, which brings together elite consultants, surgeons, hepatologists, anaesthetists, and intensive care experts to deliver holistic, integrated care designed to save lives. He added that the breakthrough also reflects the rapid advancements in the capabilities of Dubai's healthcare sector and embodies the hospital's commitment to realising the emirate's vision of delivering the highest standards of comprehensive healthcare to all members of society, including children. Dr Rajeev Tomar, Consultant Paediatrician and Director of the Paediatric Liver Transplant Programme at King's College Hospital London in Dubai, stated that initial examinations for the infant, Malek, showed severe jaundice, liver and spleen enlargement, and severe malnutrition, indicating that a liver transplant was the only option to save his life. He explained that the case was one of the most challenging handled by the medical team, especially given the presence of a heart defect, which was successfully treated at Al Jalila Hospital before performing the liver transplant. Kimberly Pierce, CEO of King's College Hospital Dubai, said, "The success of the surgery represents a qualitative shift in the healthcare landscape of the emirate, as the hospital was able to meet an urgent medical need that previously required travel abroad. Now, it is available locally, thanks to the supportive guidance and the integrated healthcare system that Dubai embraces.' WAM
Gulf News
18-04-2025
- Health
- Gulf News
Meet Malek, 13-month-old recipient of Dubai's first paediatric liver transplant
Dubai: A 13-month-old boy with a rare health condition has received Dubai's first paediatric liver transplant, a milestone made even more meaningful by a government-backed entity funding the entire cost of the complex surgery. A medical team at King's College Hospital London in Dubai successfully performed the city's first liver transplant on the infant named Malek, with the support of Al Jalila Foundation – the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health, in a landmark medical breakthrough for the emirate of Dubai and in a testament to the synergy between the public and private healthcare sectors. The successful transplant marks another remarkable milestone in Dubai's relentless quest for healthcare excellence, aligning with the objectives of the Dubai Social Agenda 33, which aims to develop a more efficient, high-quality healthcare system in line with the highest global standards. The complex and delicate surgery was led by Professor Mohamed Rela, one of the world's foremost liver transplant surgeons, and was carried out by a multidisciplinary team at King's College Hospital London in Dubai. Father, the donor Al Jalila Children's Hospital played a vital role in preparing for the transplant by providing specialised medical care to both the infant and his father, who donated a portion of his liver. Al Jalila Children's also performed cardiac surgery to repair a hole in the child's heart – a key step that paved the way for the successful liver transplant. Malek was born with a rare condition known as biliary atresia, which caused his health to deteriorate despite an earlier surgical procedure to connect his liver to his intestines. He was also diagnosed with a congenital heart defect (atrial septal defect). He was referred to King's College Hospital in Dubai by Al Jalila Children's Hospital, following the cardiac repair procedure, as part of its ongoing commitment to supporting critical humanitarian cases and providing advanced treatment options for children within the UAE. The collaborative medical intervention by Al Jalila Children's and King's College Hospital London in Dubai and the successful transplant gave the child a renewed chance at life. The surgery was completed successfully, and the patient was discharged in good health. Professor Mohamed Rela – who previously performed a liver transplant on a five-day-old infant, a case recorded in the Guinness World Records as the youngest liver transplant globally – explained that Malek's condition was particularly complex due to his young age, low weight, and multiple health complications. He emphasised that the successful outcome highlights the competence of the multidisciplinary medical team and the robustness of the specialised programme, which brings together elite consultants, surgeons, hepatologists, anaesthetists, and intensive care experts to deliver holistic, integrated care designed to save lives. He added that the breakthrough also reflects the rapid advancements in the capabilities of Dubai's healthcare sector and embodies the hospital's commitment to realising the emirate's vision of delivering the highest standards of comprehensive healthcare to all members of society, including children. Why he required a transplant Dr Rajeev Tomar, Consultant Paediatrician and Director of the Paediatric Liver Transplant Programme at King's College Hospital London in Dubai, stated that initial examinations for the infant, Malek, showed severe jaundice, liver and spleen enlargement, and severe malnutrition, indicating that a liver transplant was the only option to save his life. He explained that the case was one of the most challenging handled by the medical team, especially given the presence of a heart defect, which was successfully treated at Al Jalila Hospital before performing the liver transplant. Kimberly Pierce, CEO of King's College Hospital Dubai, said: 'The success of the surgery represents a qualitative shift in the healthcare landscape of the emirate, as the hospital was able to meet an urgent medical need that previously required travel abroad. Now, it is available locally, thanks to the supportive guidance and the integrated healthcare system that Dubai embraces.' Dr Tashfeen Siddiq Ali, Chief Medical Officer at King's College Hospital London in Dubai, stated that this achievement marks a turning point in Dubai's journey to becoming a global hub for specialised healthcare. He added: 'It also reflects the rapid evolution of the healthcare sector's capabilities and embodies the hospital's commitment to Dubai's vision of providing the highest standards of comprehensive healthcare for all members of the community, including children.' Unprecedented achievement Dr Younis Kazim, Acting CEO of the Health Regulation Sector at the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), said: 'The successful liver transplant for a 13-month-old infant represents an unprecedented medical achievement for Dubai. It reflects the healthcare system's readiness and ability to handle the most complex cases with efficiency and professionalism in a dynamic environment that fosters excellence and supports high-value healthcare investments.' Dr Kazim highlighted the Authority's commitment to empowering and developing private healthcare facilities as key partners in delivering specialised services. He noted that the DHA enables this through advanced regulatory frameworks, flexible policies, and continued support to attract top global talent, further reinforcing Dubai's position as a leading regional and global healthcare hub. He added that DHA's efforts to establish comprehensive, internationally-aligned standards for organ transplant procedures in the UAE are rooted in global best practices. These efforts reflect Dubai's model of excellence in service quality, transparency, and governance of medical procedures, ensuring patient safety, enhancing transplant outcomes, and strengthening trust in the city's healthcare system. Dr Kazim concluded by stating that the medical milestone and the integrated care provided to the young patient underscore Dubai's steady and confident progress towards its strategic goal of becoming the world's best city in terms of quality of life, wellbeing, and healthcare. Dr Amer Al Zarooni, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, affirmed that the achievement marks a significant leap forward for Dubai's healthcare sector and reflects Dubai Health's unwavering commitment to elevating the standard of care in line with the highest global standards. Dr Al Zarooni expressed his appreciation to all partners involved in the success of the exceptional procedure, describing it as a model of collaboration between the public and private sectors and charitable organisations. He also praised the vital role of donors and their invaluable contributions to supporting organ transplant programmes backed by Al Jalila Foundation, highlighting their profound impact on the lives of patients with critical medical conditions. He noted that Al Jalila Foundation covered the full medical costs for the infant Malek, including comprehensive pre- and post-operative care provided at Al Jalila Children's Hospital. This support reflects the Foundation's ongoing pledge to provide comprehensive healthcare services to those in need, in line with Dubai Health's guiding principle: Patient First. Strategic collaboration It is worth noting that Al Jalila Foundation signed a cooperation agreement with King's College Hospital London in Dubai during Arab Health 2025. The agreement aims to expand charitable healthcare initiatives in the UAE by supporting organ transplant programmes. Meanwhile, Dr Hanan Ali Obaid, Director of Health Policies and Standards at the Dubai Health Authority, stated that the success of Dubai's first paediatric liver transplant underscores DHA's commitment to providing a comprehensive regulatory environment that meets the highest international standards of patient care and safety. Dr Obaid emphasised the Authority's focus on adopting advanced and flexible regulatory frameworks that empower healthcare institutions to achieve such complex and precise medical milestones locally. She explained that Dubai's organ transplant standards have been developed in alignment with global best practices, conforming to all medical, ethical, and humanitarian considerations to ensure the efficacy and safety of the procedure aligned with the Authority's vision, values, and principles, which place the individual at the heart of healthcare services. This achievement is part of an integrated system that bolsters patient confidence and reinforces Dubai's status as a global hub for specialised healthcare.
TAG 91.1
17-04-2025
- Health
- TAG 91.1
13-month-old receives Dubai's first pediatric liver transplant
In a groundbreaking moment for Dubai's healthcare sector, a 13-month-old child has become the city's first pediatric liver transplant recipient, thanks to a joint effort between King's College Hospital London in Dubai and Al Jalila Foundation. The complex surgery was led by world-renowned liver transplant specialist Professor Mohamed Rela, and marks a major milestone in Dubai's push for world-class medical care – aligning with the Dubai Social Agenda 33. The child, Malek, was born with a rare liver disorder known as biliary atresia and was also diagnosed with a congenital heart defect. Before the transplant could proceed, doctors at Al Jalila Children's Hospital successfully repaired a hole in his heart. His father donated part of his liver, making the life-saving transplant possible. Malek has since been discharged and is recovering well. Professor Mohamed Rela – who previously performed a liver transplant on a five-day-old infant, a case recorded in the Guinness World Records as the youngest liver transplant globally – praised the effort as a model of medical excellence and teamwork. He explained that Malek's condition was particularly complex due to his young age, low weight, and multiple health complications. He emphasised that the successful outcome highlights the competence of the multidisciplinary medical team and the robustness of the specialised programme, which brings together elite consultants, surgeons, hepatologists, anaesthetists and intensive care experts to deliver holistic care designed to save lives. Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health, signed a cooperation agreement with King's College Hospital London in Dubai during Arab Health 2025. The agreement aims to expand charitable healthcare initiatives in the UAE by supporting organ transplant programmes. In a landmark medical breakthrough for the emirate of Dubai and in a testament to the synergy between the public and private healthcare sectors, a medical team at King's College Hospital London in Dubai has successfully performed the city's first liver transplant on a… — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) April 17, 2025
