Groundbreaking Robot-Assisted Dual Kidney Transplant Performed on 70-Year-Old Woman in Ohio

Joanne Kukula, a 70-year-old resident of Ohio, has become the first person in the United States to undergo a robot-assisted dual kidney transplant. This pioneering procedure was successfully carried out at the Cleveland Clinic in March 2024.

Joanne’s transplant involved a minimally invasive robotic surgical system, marking a significant advancement in medical technology. The surgery was unique as it utilized the robotic technique to implant two kidneys from a single deceased donor. This innovative approach aims to extend the use of marginally effective kidneys from expanded criteria donors who might otherwise be deemed ineligible.

“Everything went well, and I really didn’t have much pain from the incisions,” Joanne said, reflecting on her swift recovery post-surgery.

Dr. Mohamed Eltemamy, who performed the surgery using an advanced multiport robot, emphasized the benefits of this technology. “The robotic technique is more flexible than traditional surgery, allowing us to use magnified 3DHD vision and articulation at the tips of the instruments that exceed the range of motion of a human wrist,” he explained. This method enables surgeons to work in small spaces with better ergonomics, using only one small incision to place the kidneys on both sides of the torso.

Dr. Alvin Wee, the program director, highlighted the importance of dual kidney transplantation in increasing the donor pool and shortening the waiting time for recipients. “When we receive an offered donor kidney and find one to be small with insufficient functionality, we request both donor kidneys, which together can provide more than 100% functionality. With the robot, we were able to transplant both kidneys into Joanne through the same small incision,” Dr. Wee said.

The Cleveland Clinic’s Kidney Transplant Program performs over 300 transplants annually, with approximately 10% being done robotically. This percentage continues to grow as robotic surgery technology becomes more widely available.