KFSHRC Performs First-Ever Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty

In a landmark achievement, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSHRC) in Riyadh has successfully performed an endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) on a kidney transplant recipient, marking the first such procedure in the region. This complex case demanded careful balancing of immunosuppressive medications and close monitoring to avoid any complications that might threaten the transplanted kidney. The successful outcome represents a significant step forward in making weight-loss treatments safer for organ transplant recipients, ultimately improving both their long-term health and quality of life.

A Minimally Invasive Approach with Major Benefits

Unlike traditional surgical methods, ESG offers a less invasive solution without the need for abdominal incisions — a critical advantage for patients with transplanted organs. This procedure involves inserting a flexible endoscope through the mouth and suturing the stomach from the inside, reducing its capacity. By promoting significant weight loss and better metabolic control, this technique opens new doors for patients who would otherwise face high surgical risks.

Tackling Obesity to Safeguard Kidney Health

The motivation behind the ESG procedure was to address obesity and metabolic issues, both of which pose serious risks to kidney transplant recipients. Excess weight can compromise graft function, elevate cardiovascular risk, and diminish overall survival rates. By targeting these health threats early, ESG offers a proactive strategy for protecting the longevity of transplanted organs and improving patient outcomes.

Expert Teamwork Behind the Success

The procedure was led by Dr. Ehab Abufarhaneh, Consultant in Adult Transplant Gastroenterology and Hepatology, and carried out by a specialized, multidisciplinary team. This included experts in gastroenterology, upper gastrointestinal surgery, transplant nephrology and anaesthesiology, all working in unison with trained nursing staff. Special attention was given to maintaining the patient’s immunosuppressive therapy throughout the procedure — a key element in ensuring the transplanted kidney remained stable and unharmed.

KFSHRC’s Role as a Regional Leader in Transplant Innovation

This medical milestone highlights the expertise and advanced capabilities of KFSHRC’s Organ Transplant Centre of Excellence. The centre has distinguished itself as a hub for sophisticated, personalized treatments tailored to the complex needs of transplant patients. By integrating cutting-edge medical practices with post-transplant care strategies, KFSHRC is reshaping what’s possible in the treatment of high-risk cases across the region.

Advancing Saudi Arabia’s Healthcare Vision

KFSHRC’s achievement is part of its broader mission to provide state-of-the-art, patient-focused care. The hospital continues to align with Saudi Arabia’s healthcare transformation goals by merging clinical excellence with research and innovation. ESG for transplant patients is just one example of how KFSHRC is redefining standards in medical care through collaborative expertise and evidence-based solutions.

Global Recognition for Medical Leadership

KFSHRC’s reputation as a world-class institution continues to grow. It has secured the top spot in the Middle East and North Africa and ranks 15th globally among 250 academic medical centres for the third consecutive year. Furthermore, it has been recognized as the most valuable healthcare brand in both Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East. In 2025, the hospital was also named among the World’s Best Smart Hospitals by Newsweek, underscoring its commitment to technological innovation and superior patient care.