61-Year-Old African Doctor Successfully Treated With Robot-Assisted Kidney Transplant At Fortis Hospital Cunningham Road

Fortis Hospital Cunningham Road has successfully performed a life-saving robot-assisted kidney transplant on Dr. Benson, a 61-year-old African doctor suffering from End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). The patient, who presented with a complex medical history, underwent the transplant with the guidance of a multidisciplinary team led by Dr. Mohan Keshavamurthy, Senior Director – Urology, Uro-Oncology, Uro-Gynaecology, Andrology, Kidney Transplant, and Robotic Surgery at Fortis Hospitals Bengaluru, and Chairman – Renal Sciences Specialty Council at Fortis Hospitals, India. The surgical team also included Dr. Shakir Tabrez, Additional Director – Urology, Uro-Oncology, Andrology, Kidney Transplant, and Robotic Surgery, and Dr. Renuka Prasad, Senior Consultant – Nephrology at Fortis Hospital, Cunningham Road. Remarkably, Dr. Benson was discharged just six days after the surgery following a rapid recovery.

Dr. Benson had been battling ESRD for over six to seven months and had been dependent on regular haemodialysis to manage his failing kidney function. His condition was further complicated by morbid obesity and a long-standing history of hypertension, both of which significantly heightened the risks associated with surgery. Despite seeking treatment at multiple hospitals across several countries, Dr. Benson was turned away due to the complexity of his condition.

In search of a solution, Dr. Benson and his family approached Fortis Cunningham Road, where the transplant team evaluated the situation thoroughly. After a comprehensive medical assessment, the team recommended a robot-assisted kidney transplant as the most viable option. Dr. Benson’s 23-year-old son, who was found to be a perfect match, was selected as the donor. The transplant was executed with precision, and the surgery lasted approximately two and a half hours.

Dr. Mohan Keshavamurthy, Senior Director – Urology, Uro-Oncology, Uro-Gynaecology, Andrology, Kidney Transplant, and Robotic Surgery at Fortis Hospitals, Bengaluru, and Chairman – Renal Sciences Specialty Council at Fortis Hospitals, India, shared his insights: "Our primary focus is always the well-being and successful outcomes of our patients. In complex cases like this, robotic surgery is the ideal approach due to its precision, smaller incisions, reduced tissue trauma, and faster recovery. The enhanced 3D visualisation provided by robot-assisted surgeries ensures meticulous graft placement. Additionally, minimal scarring improves patient satisfaction and recovery. This case is a testament to the expertise of our collaborative team, which can handle high-risk, intricate procedures with robotic technology, offering patients a second chance at life."

Dr. Shakir Tabrez, Additional Director of urology, Uro-Oncology, Andrology, Kidney Transplant, and Robotic Surgery at Fortis Hospital Cunningham Road, emphasised the complexities of the case. "This was an extremely challenging case, given the patient’s obesity, hypertension, and long-term dialysis dependency. Managing such complexities requires a multidisciplinary approach and cutting-edge robotic technology. The use of advanced robotic technology allowed for a smaller incision, faster healing, quicker mobility, and early discharge, while minimising the risk of complications common in conventional open transplants," said Dr. Tabrez. "The patient’s kidney function normalised within 72 hours, and his creatinine levels remained stable thereafter."

Dr. Benson expressed his gratitude for the care he received, saying, "I am thankful to Dr. Mohan, Dr. Shakir, and the entire team at Fortis Hospital Cunningham Road for their exceptional care. After months of struggling with ESRD and being turned away by other hospitals, Fortis gave me a second chance at life through this successful robotic kidney transplant. I’m grateful for their expertise, compassion, and support in helping me recover rapidly."

Akshay Oleti, Business Head, Fortis Hospitals Bengaluru, highlighted the hospital's commitment to handling complex and high-risk cases. "At Fortis, we are dedicated to managing intricate cases like Dr. Benson’s with unparalleled expertise and care. This successful robot-assisted kidney transplant underscores the skill of our multidisciplinary team and the advanced capabilities of robotic surgery in performing such complex procedures. We are delighted with the patient’s remarkable recovery and remain committed to delivering world-class healthcare to all our patients," he remarked.