UAE Witnesses First Living Donor Paediatric Liver Transplant At Burjeel Medical City

In a significant medical breakthrough, the UAE has successfully conducted its first paediatric liver transplant on a four-year-old girl. This landmark surgery at Burjeel Medical City (BMC) represents the country's first living donor paediatric liver transplant, showcasing the UAE's advanced medical capabilities.

Razia Khan, the young patient, was diagnosed with Progressive Familial Intrahepatic Cholestasis type 3 (PFIC), a rare genetic liver condition. Dr. Rehan Saif, Director of Transplant Surgery for Burjeel Abdominal Multi-Organ Transplant Program and Clinical Lead HPB Surgery, explained, "Razia’s condition is caused due to a genetic mutation, which leads to an abnormality in the formation and secretion of bile components and bile acids, ultimately leading to damage to the liver. It presents in infancy and early childhood as signs of growth failure and complications of liver failure. The only definitive & curative treatment for these children is liver transplantation."

The transplant team at BMC, led by Dr. Saif, performed simultaneous donor and recipient surgeries lasting 10 hours. "This is a monumental achievement for the UAE’s medical community. It ensures that children like Razia can receive life-saving treatments without the need to travel abroad. We are proud to have reached this milestone and look forward to helping more families in the future," Dr. Saif stated.

After thorough evaluations, doctors concluded that a liver transplant was essential for Razia's survival. Her father selflessly volunteered as the donor, demonstrating an act of love and duty.

Dr. Saif reported that Razia has made an excellent recovery from her life-saving liver transplant and will be on regular follow-up. She will be able to start school and enjoy her childhood like any other child her age.

This successful surgery marks a significant leap forward in the UAE’s medical field, ensuring that critical treatments are available locally. The achievement highlights the country's growing expertise in complex medical procedures.

With inputs from WAM