Bellvitge Hospital performs Europe's first kidney transplant with robotic surgery of a single incision of only seven centimetresThe University Hospital of Bellvitge has successfully performed four kidney transplants using robotic surgery through a single 7-centimeter incision, making them the first European hospital to implement this technique in live donor kidney transplant programs. This technology allows surgeons to insert a camera and instruments through a single incision, which then unfold inside the body to perform complex procedures with greater precision and fewer surgical accesses. The procedure reduces surgical aggression, postoperative pain, leaves only a small scar, and enables faster functional recovery compared to traditional methods. The hospital, part of the Catalan Health Institute (ICS), has been leading kidney transplants in Spain and has conducted over 300 robotic kidney transplants, more than 90% involving living donors. They plan to complete between 350 and 400 robotic surgeries by the end of 2026 and aim for 500–600 by 2027.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on medical innovation and technological advancement in healthcare, with no mention of political figures, policies, or contentious issues. It provides factual information about a new surgical technique and its benefits without any apparent ideological framing or bias.
Bellvitge carries out the first kidney transplant in Europe with a single incisionThe urology department at Bellvitge Hospital has performed Europe's first kidney transplants using the Da Vinci SP robotic system, which allows surgery through a single incision of 5–7 cm. Previously, this type of procedure was only conducted in Cleveland, USA. The new technology reduces postoperative pain and accelerates recovery compared to traditional open surgery or multi-port robotic methods. Patients typically recover fully within 48 hours, according to Dr. Òscar Buisan, head of urology at Bellvitge. The robotic system enables three micro-articulated instruments and a 3D endoscope to be inserted through a single incision. While the robotic system is used for implanting kidneys from living donors, often family members, the organ extraction process still relies on conventional laparoscopic techniques. The first transplant under this program took place in September, and the patient has since been discharged. Two additional successful procedures have been carried out, with two more planned. Bellvitge has become a leader in robotic kidney transplants in Spain, performing over 300 such operations last year and aiming for 1,600 this year.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on medical innovation and surgical advancements, specifically the use of robotic technology in kidney transplants. There is no mention of political figures, policies, or contentious issues. The content is purely scientific and technical, with no apparent ideological framing or sl
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