Liver Transplantation Technique First in Lebanon
- A highly specialized liver transplantation technique, known as the "split liver technique," was successfully performed for the first time in Lebanon on september 6, 2024, at the Hotel...
- The split liver technique involves dividing a single deceased donor liver into two functional halves, allowing it to be transplanted into two recipients - typically a child and...
- The complex surgery was led by Dr. Nabil Kabbara, head of the Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery Department at hotel Dieu de France.The donor liver was split to accommodate both a...
Landmark Liver Transplant in Lebanon Utilizes Rare Technique
Table of Contents
published September 8, 2025
A Breakthrough for Lebanese Healthcare
A highly specialized liver transplantation technique, known as the “split liver technique,” was successfully performed for the first time in Lebanon on september 6, 2024, at the Hotel Dieu de France University Hospital in Beirut. This procedure offers a critical advancement in addressing the shortage of donor organs and expands access to life-saving treatment for patients with liver failure.
The split liver technique involves dividing a single deceased donor liver into two functional halves, allowing it to be transplanted into two recipients – typically a child and an adult. This is notably valuable when a full-sized liver is not suitable for a smaller patient, reducing the risk of complications and improving outcomes.
The Procedure and Patient details
The complex surgery was led by Dr. Nabil Kabbara, head of the Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery Department at hotel Dieu de France.The donor liver was split to accommodate both a 65-year-old male and a 10-year-old female, both suffering from end-stage liver disease.Both patients are currently reported to be in stable condition following the transplants.
According to hospital officials, the accomplished implementation of this technique represents a notable step forward for transplant capabilities within the country. Lebanon has historically faced challenges in organ donation and access to specialized medical procedures, frequently enough requiring patients to seek treatment abroad.
Addressing the Organ Shortage
The global demand for organ transplantation far exceeds the available supply. The split liver technique,first developed decades ago,is a proven method to maximize the use of limited donor organs. Johns Hopkins Medicine details the process and benefits of split liver transplants, highlighting their role in saving multiple lives from a single donor.
This advancement in Lebanon’s medical infrastructure offers hope for many patients awaiting liver transplantation and reduces the financial and logistical burdens associated with traveling overseas for treatment. The hospital plans to continue refining its transplant program and expanding access to this life-saving procedure.
Future Implications for Lebanon
The successful execution of this split liver transplant is expected to encourage increased organ donation awareness within Lebanon. Hospital administrators are actively working to establish a robust national organ donation registry and improve public education regarding the importance of organ donation. This will be crucial for sustaining the program and ensuring that more patients receive the care they need.
The Hotel Dieu de France University Hospital is positioned to become a regional centre of excellence for liver transplantation, attracting patients from across the Middle East and North Africa seeking advanced medical care.