RIYADH: King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre in Riyadh recently performed a rare Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty on a patient who had previously undergone a kidney transplant.

In a statement, KFSHRC said the operation was considered 鈥渢he first of its kind in the region.鈥�

It required 鈥渕eticulous management of immunosuppressive medications and the prevention of any complications that could jeopardize the transplanted organ.

鈥淭his procedure marks a significant advancement in providing safe treatment solutions for transplant recipients, to improve their graft survival and quality of life.鈥�

The ESG procedure differs from surgical sleeve gastrectomy in that it requires no abdominal incisions, which is important for transplant patients.

Instead, it uses an endoscope inserted through the mouth to suture the stomach internally, effectively reducing its volume and enabling the patient to lose weight and improve overall health.

The procedure was performed by a multidisciplinary team of experts led by Dr. Ehab Abufarhaneh, consultant in adult transplant gastroenterology and hepatology.

Abufarhaneh told Arab News: 鈥淧erforming endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty on a kidney transplant patient is exceptionally rare and complex due to the need to protect the transplanted organ while carefully managing immunosuppressive therapy.鈥�

鈥淭his procedure provides a safe therapeutic option for transplant recipients, addressing a critical medical challenge and helping preserve graft function through a minimally invasive approach tailored to their condition,鈥� Abufarhaneh added.

The team included gastroenterologists, various transplant surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nursing staff.

In the statement, the hospital said it was 鈥渁dopting innovative techniques tailored to the unique needs of transplant patients and developing treatment protocols that address post-transplant challenges.鈥�

The facility 鈥渞einforces its position as a regional referral hub for cases beyond the scope of conventional treatment pathways,鈥� and as a leading healthcare provider in the region.

It was fulfilling its vision of being the optimal choice for patients supported by an integrated ecosystem of education, research, and clinical excellence that aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, the hospital stated.

The hospital has been ranked by Brand Financing 2025 as first in the Middle East and North Africa, and 15th globally on the list of the world鈥檚 top 250 Academic Medical Centers for the third consecutive year.

Additionally, it was included in the World鈥檚 Best Smart Hospitals list for 2025 by Newsweek magazine.