UAE's first kidney transplant on child a success

The first successful kidney transplant on a child in the UAE was performed at the Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC), the medical institution said.

SKMC said the patient, a Pakistani girl who was operated upon in the first quarter of 2010, had an uneventful hospital stay and the clinical outcome was judged excellent. She was discharged from SKMC 10 days after the surgery. The five-year-old received the organ from her uncle, 40.

The renal transplantation programme was started in February 2007 and was created under the guidance of Abu Dhabi Health Services (Seha) and Cleveland Clinic.

Saif Bader Al Qubaisi, Chairman of Seha, accompanied by top officials, visited the child and her mother 10 days after the surgery to check on her recovery and commented favourably on the importance of organ donation, and how special donors are saving lives.

This historic surgery has had a tremendous impact on the life of this child – she will now live, play and enjoy her life just like any other child, the officials said. During his visit, Al Qubaisi praised the efforts of the surgeons and medical team of SKMC, saying: "The success is a source of great pride for Seha and SKMC."

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