Robotic Splenectomy And Cholecystectomy Performed For A 10-Year-Old With Sickle Cell Disease At KFSHRC

King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre has carried out a robotic-assisted splenectomy and cholecystectomy for a 10-year-old girl with sickle cell disease in the western region. Doctors removed the enlarged spleen and gallbladder in one combined procedure, using small incisions and detailed robotic control to lower surgical trauma and support safer recovery.

The case involved severe splenic enlargement linked to sickle cell disease, increasing the risk of complications if left untreated. Clinical teams chose robotic surgery instead of open surgery or standard laparoscopy, using a four-arm system that allowed both organs to be removed during a single surgical session while maintaining strict safety standards.

Conventional treatment for similar patients often involves open surgery or routine laparoscopy, sometimes in two separate stages. That approach can lead to larger cuts, higher blood loss, longer hospital stays, slower rehabilitation, and increased risk, especially in children with sickle cell disease. The robotic-assisted method offered a more targeted option by combining both procedures within one intervention.

The robotic surgery system used at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre provides three-dimensional visualisation and very fine instrument control. Surgeons can handle blood vessels and fragile tissues with greater accuracy, helping limit bleeding and protect nearby structures. The hospital reported that the successful outcome relied on coordination among pediatric surgeons, anesthesiologists, hematologists, and nursing staff, along with close pre- and postoperative monitoring.

According to information from King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, this is the first robotic-assisted splenectomy and cholecystectomy of its type in the western region for such cases. The experience shows how robotic surgery can support complex care for children with sickle cell disease, reducing surgical impact while keeping a strong focus on safety and recovery speed.

With inputs from SPA