Reviewed by: Pat Byington
UAB performs first robotic kidney transplant in the Southeast
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On January 15, UAB Medicine performed its first-ever robotic kidney transplant surgery—a major milestone in the world of organ transplantation. Read on to learn more about this game-changing procedure and what it means for UAB Medicine.
UAB is the first center in the Southeast to offer robotic surgical procedures
On Jan. 15, 2026, Michael Hanaway, M.D., surgical director of the Kidney Transplant Program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and Muhammad Rabbani, M.D., assistant professor in the Division of Transplantation, made history by performing the first kidney transplant procedure at UAB using robotic-assisted surgical equipment.
During a robot-assisted kidney transplant, the surgeon sits at a console and uses controls to guide robotic instruments rather than working directly with their hands. Similar to a minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, the procedure utilizes a few small incisions—typically a 2-inch opening near the belly button plus a tiny incision for instruments—rather than the larger incision required in traditional surgery.
“The ability to better see into difficult areas makes a surgeon more accurate and precise. What is better for the surgeon’s performance is always better for the patient’s results and outcomes.”
Michael Hanaway, M.D., surgical director of the Kidney Transplant Program at University of Alabama at Birmingham
Thanks to the smaller, lower-profile incisions, robotic-assisted kidney transplants result in reduced pain for the patient, shorter recovery time and better cosmetic results.
“The advance of robotic surgical procedures over the last 10 years would suggest that robotic procedures in kidney transplantation represent its future. We are excited to be the first center in the Southeast United States to offer this option for our patients.”
Michael Hanaway, M.D., surgical director of the Kidney Transplant Program at University of Alabama at Birmingham
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