In a significant advancement for paediatric surgery in the UAE, King’s College Hospital London in Dubai has successfully completed a rare split liver transplant, saving the lives of two children, aged 4 and 6, by utilizing both lobes of a single adult donor liver.
In this uncommon procedure, the entire liver was divided, allowing both segments to be transplanted into two children. This goes beyond the usual scenario where only the smaller lobe is used for a child recipient and the larger for an adult. One child, suffering from Infantile Acute Liver Failure Syndrome Type 2, a severe genetic liver condition that had previously claimed the lives of three siblings, underwent the transplant after thorough evaluation. Both transplants were successful, with both children now recovering well, showing stable liver function and rapid recovery by the first post-operative day.
The surgery was led by Professor Mohamed Rela, director of the King’s Liver Transplant Centre of Excellence and a world-renowned liver transplant surgeon, alongside Dr. Rajeev Tomar, a consultant paediatrician and director of the Paediatric Liver Transplant Programme.
Professor Rela expressed: “Yesterday marked a significant day for us at King’s, and I believe, for the UAE as well. This is a major milestone in transplantation.”
Dr. Tomar added: “The six-year-old was in critical condition, facing rapid liver failure from a rare genetic disorder that had already taken three siblings. Time was crucial. From pre-transplant stabilization to post-operative care, our team was incredibly precise. We monitored every detail, lab result, and vital sign to ensure the best outcome. Witnessing this child’s excellent recovery is deeply rewarding for all involved.”
Both children are now stable, no longer needing ventilator support, and demonstrating excellent early liver function. Their positive recovery underscores King’s College Hospital London in Dubai’s role as a leader in paediatric liver transplantation and advanced hepatobiliary surgery.
This split liver transplant represents more than a medical achievement; it’s a story of precision, perseverance, and hope. Two families have received a miracle: a new lease on life. Their recovery is a testament not only to advanced surgical expertise but also to the compassionate, coordinated care provided at King’s College Hospital London in Dubai.
