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Transforming Living Donation with Robotic Surgery

In a groundbreaking advancement for medical science, the VCU Health Hume-Lee Transplant Center has made history as the first transplant center globally to successfully employ robotic technology for living organ donation. This innovative approach not only promises to enhance the recovery experience for liver donors but also sets a new benchmark in minimally invasive transplant surgeries.

A Game-Changer in Liver Transplants

On January 30, 2025, surgeons at VCU Health performed the world’s first living donor liver retrieval using state-of-the-art robotic technology. Led by Seung Duk Lee, M.D., Ph.D., this pioneering surgery involved the use of the da Vinci 5 robotic system, which showcased exceptional precision and dramatically reduced the invasiveness of the procedure. Instead of the traditional larger incisions, the da Vinci 5 enabled surgeons to operate via minimal punctures, improving outcomes significantly.

How It Works

The da Vinci 5 system is equipped with advanced robotic arms that carry surgical instruments and a high-definition camera capable of magnifying the surgical field up to ten times. This allows for unparalleled accuracy in navigating anatomical structures, ensuring that surgeons can operate with a level of precision previously unattainable. The ability to make smaller cuts not only reduces recovery time but also minimizes post-operative discomfort and cosmetic concerns for the donor, improving the overall experience.

A New Era for Living Donors

David Bruno, M.D., FACS, the director of the Hume-Lee Transplant Center, emphasized the importance of prioritizing donor comfort and safety. "Living organ donors are the true heroes of our field. Every step we can take to make their experience more comfortable is paramount. This robotic technology allows us to achieve that, while also aiming to save more lives."

The Future of Surgical Technique

With the introduction of robotic systems like the da Vinci 5, the Hume-Lee Transplant Center is leading the charge in surgical innovation. As Dr. Lee notes, "The da Vinci 5 represents the future of living donor surgery. Its advanced capabilities allow us to manage complex procedures with less impact on the donor, ensuring quicker recovery, less scarring, and an enhanced experience overall."

Impact on Recovery Times

Following the groundbreaking procedure, reports indicate that donors enjoy significantly reduced hospital stays and a faster return to their daily lives. This development is not only a medical triumph but also serves to inspire more individuals to consider living donation as a viable option for those in need of transplants.

Learn More

For those interested in witnessing this technology firsthand, VCU Health Public Relations is happy to facilitate opportunities to discuss with Dr. Lee and arrange demonstrations of the da Vinci 5 robotic system in action. This revolutionary approach opens the door to more living donors and, by extension, saves more lives.

For multimedia highlights, you can watch the video of the first fully robotic hepatectomy performed using the da Vinci 5 system here. Further information can also be found on the VCU Health News Center.

As educational and medical institutions continue to push the envelope in surgical technology, the VCU Health Hume-Lee Transplant Center stands at the forefront of innovation in the realm of living organ donation. With a commitment to excellence and the welfare of donors, the future looks brighter than ever for both donors and patients awaiting life-saving transplants.