Portugal successfully performs first robotic liver transplant operation
Portugal's São José University Hospital Pioneers Simultaneous Robotic Liver Transplant
In a significant surgical breakthrough, Portugal's São José University Hospital (ULS) has successfully carried out the first simultaneous, fully robotic living donor liver transplant in Europe. This groundbreaking procedure was performed at the Curry Cabral Hospital in Lisbon, part of ULS, around August 2025.
The surgery involved two surgical robots working in unison. One robot was responsible for extracting part of the donor's liver, while another robot simultaneously removed the recipient's liver and implanted the donated organ.
This marked the first time in Europe that two robots were used simultaneously during a fully robotic living donor liver transplant. Previously, Modena, Italy, had performed the first fully robotic living donor liver transplant in Europe, but only with one robot and sequential procedures.
The donor and recipient, both suffering from chronic liver disease and cancer, have recovered without any complications. The use of robotics in this surgery has been a significant factor in ensuring precision and minimising invasiveness.
Interestingly, robotics was only used for organ removal in the initial robotic liver transplant at the São José University Hospital. However, the hospital's acquisition of a second robotic surgery system has allowed it to establish a Robotic Surgery Center, paving the way for further advancements in the field.
Rosa Valente de Matos, a prominent figure at the institution, believes that robotic surgery is a valuable tool for attracting and retaining healthcare professionals. Hugo Pinto Marques, the director of the Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Transplant Center, echoes this sentiment, emphasising the safety and potential for faster recovery that robotics offers in organ donation.
This milestone further cements Portugal's position as one of the pioneering countries in robotic liver transplantation. The São José University Hospital's commitment to innovation and robotics continues to push the boundaries of medical technology and patient care.
[1] Source: National Health Service (NHS) in Portugal
In the aftermath of this historic surgery at Portugal's São José University Hospital, a renewed focus on health-and-wellness and medical-conditions, such as liver diseases, has emerged. As a result, the research and advancement of science within this field, particularly in Portugal, are anticipated to flourish, potentially contributing to improved outcomes for patients worldwide. Additionally, the hospital's Robotic Surgery Center, a testament to their dedication to robotics, is expected to spur further discoveries in the realm of health-and-wellness, including innovative approaches to managing medical-conditions like liver diseases.
