University of Arizona Department of Surgery faculty perform first robotic-assisted, living donor kidney removal in Tucson

Abdominal transplant faculty from the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson Department of Surgery have successfully completed Tucson’s first robotic-assisted living donor nephrectomy at Banner – University Medicine Tucson, marking the first time the advanced transplant procedure has been completed in the city and across the Banner Health system, which serves patients across six western states. The landmark accomplishment expands access to minimally invasive kidney donation surgery for patients across southern Arizona.

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The procedure was led by Ramesh Batra, MD, MA, FRCS, division chief of abdominal transplant surgery. An accomplished transplant surgeon and academic leader, Batra specializes in liver and kidney transplantation, living donor procedures, transplant ethics, artificial intelligence and surgical innovation. 

Robotic-assisted, living donor nephrectomy is a minimally invasive procedure in which surgeons use robotic technology to remove a kidney from a living donor for transplantation into a recipient. Compared with traditional open surgery, in which a large incision gives surgeons a full view of the donor’s organs, the robotic approach allows surgeons to operate through smaller incisions with enhanced precision, which can reduce pain and support faster recovery for donors.

“This milestone reflects our commitment to bringing advanced, patient-centered surgical care to Arizona,” said Geoffrey Gurtner, MD, chair of the Department of Surgery at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson. “I am certain this is just the first of many innovative, patient-centric procedures that Dr. Batra’s team will introduce to Arizona.”

The donor and recipient were sisters Paula Haywood and Clarissa Shosie. The transplant team honored the pair with a “hero walk” at the hospital as Haywood was transported to surgery, a tradition that recognizes the generosity of living organ donors and the life-changing impact of their gift.

“Our goal is to provide the most advanced surgical care available while honoring the generosity of living organ donors,” Batra said.

The addition of robotic-assisted donor nephrectomy enhances the University of Arizona and Banner Health partnership by bringing advanced surgical technology to Tucson, expanding local access for living kidney donors, and providing a comprehensive, patient-centered transplant program closer to home.