The specialist successfully performed a robotic splenectomy and gallbladder removal on a child

King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre has achieved another medical milestone, adding to its long list of successes. The medical team successfully performed a delicate robotic splenectomy and cholecystectomy on a 10-year-old girl. The girl was suffering from severe splenomegaly, a complication of sickle cell anemia. This achievement reflects the significant advancements in medical services provided in the Kingdom.

Advanced technology and extreme precision

This medical procedure is the first of its kind in the Western Region for dealing with such complex cases in children. Robotic surgery was chosen due to the complexity of the child's condition. This technology provided the surgical team with a high-definition, three-dimensional view and superior control via the robot's four arms. This enabled the surgeons to perform both procedures simultaneously through very small incisions, allowing for precise handling of the blood vessels and delicate tissues surrounding the spleen and gallbladder.

Medical context: Sickle cell anemia and splenomegaly

This achievement comes at a time when healthcare institutions are paying close attention to patients with sickle cell anemia, a genetic disorder that affects the shape of red blood cells and their ability to carry oxygen. A common complication of this disease is splenomegaly, an enlarged spleen. The spleen acts as a blood filter, and sickle cells can accumulate within it, causing it to enlarge and impair vital bodily functions. This often necessitates surgical intervention to remove the spleen and prevent more serious complications.

Comparison between robotic and traditional surgery

Historically, the surgical approach for such cases relied on open surgery or traditional laparoscopy, often separating splenectomy from gallbladder removal in two distinct stages to minimize risks. However, this traditional approach was associated with increased blood loss, longer hospital stays, and greater postoperative pain. In contrast, robotic surgery has proven effective in reducing bleeding, accelerating recovery, and allowing the child to return to her normal life in record time, representing a significant advancement in pediatric surgery.

Global leadership and prestigious standing

This success reinforces King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre's position as a global reference center for complex surgeries. This procedure is part of the hospital's strategy to employ the latest medical technologies to serve patients. It is worth noting that the Specialist Hospital is at the forefront of healthcare institutions in the Middle East and Africa, ranking first regionally and 15th globally in the list of the top 250 academic healthcare institutions for 2025. It is also the most valuable healthcare brand in the Kingdom, underscoring its pivotal role in leading healthcare transformation and developing clinical practices.