Saudi Liver Transplant Study Ranks Among Top 10 Most Impactful of 2024

King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSHRC) continues to cement its position as a global leader in medical advancements. In a remarkable achievement, the American Society of Transplantation recognized its groundbreaking study on fully robotic liver transplants as one of the Top 10 Most Impactful Papers of 2024, underscoring the institution's innovative contributions to healthcare.

KFSHRC's study, titled ‘Outcomes of Fully Robotic Recipient Living Donor Liver Transplant Compared to the Open Approach,’ represents a global milestone. This research marks the first-ever series of fully robotic recipient liver transplants from living donors. The findings demonstrate significant progress in robotic-assisted liver transplantation, including reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and enhanced cosmetic results. These benefits were achieved without an increase in complication rates, reaffirming KFSHRC’s role in redefining surgical standards and patient care.

Leadership in Innovation: Professor Dr. Dieter Broering

Driving this achievement is Professor Dr. Dieter Broering, Executive Director of the Organ Transplant Centre of Excellence at KFSHRC. A globally acclaimed expert in robotic-assisted surgeries, Dr. Broering led the world’s first fully robotic left lobe liver transplant in 2024. His leadership and expertise have been instrumental in advancing robotic transplantation techniques, placing KFSHRC at the forefront of medical innovation.

“This achievement highlights the transformative potential of robotic transplant, particularly for procedures previously considered high-risk, and reaffirms our dedication to delivering safer, faster, and more effective outcomes for patients worldwide,” Dr. Broering stated, reflecting on this recognition.

The study was featured in the Transplantation Journal, the official publication of The Transplantation Society. With a legacy spanning over 58 years and more than 25,000 annual citations, the journal serves as a critical platform for groundbreaking research in the field of transplantation.

Global Recognition and Accolades

KFSHRC’s achievements extend beyond its research contributions. For the second consecutive year, it has been ranked as the top Academic Medical Centre in the Middle East and Africa and 20th globally among the world’s top 250 centres. According to the 2024 Brand Finance rankings, KFSHRC is also recognized as the most valuable healthcare brand in the Kingdom and the Middle East. Furthermore, it earned a spot on Newsweek magazine’s World’s Best Smart Hospitals list for 2025, highlighting its commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology in healthcare. KFSHRC’s relentless pursuit of excellence continues to set new benchmarks in medical research, innovation, and patient care, solidifying its position as a global healthcare leader.