Banner – University Medicine Tucson completed its first robotic-assisted living donor nephrectomy, a minimally invasive kidney removal procedure, according to a March 12 announcement. The surgery was led by Dr. Ramesh Batra, division chief of abdominal transplant surgery, using advanced robotic technology.
This marks the first time such a procedure has been performed in Tucson and within the Banner Health system. The development is significant as it expands access to advanced transplant options for patients in southern Arizona, reducing the need for travel and allowing donors and recipients to recover closer to home.
“This milestone expands access to advanced transplant surgery options in southern Arizona,” Dr. Batra said. “For many donors and recipients, staying close to home can reduce the burden of travel and make recovery easier with family support nearby.”
The donor and recipient were sisters Paula Haywood and Clarissa Shosie. Shosie, age 34, was diagnosed with lupus as a teenager. As her condition worsened, Haywood volunteered as a direct living donor. “The family has been through lupus before,” Haywood said. “There’s no way we’re going to lose someone else, and if I can help my sister, I will.” After the successful operation, Haywood added: “That was the moment I could exhale. We did it. My sister and I could breathe and say, ‘It’s done.’”
Robotic-assisted surgery typically results in smaller incisions and less pain compared to open surgery, which can lead to shorter recovery times for donors. Living kidney donations are available for family members, friends or strangers after medical evaluation.
“Living kidney donors make a remarkable, selfless choice, and we are committed to honoring that gift through innovative robotic technology and exceptional patient care.” said Dr. Batra. “There is no better place than Banner – University Medicine to support living donors and living organ donation.”
Banner Health provides substantial community benefits through its nonprofit activities according to the official website. The organization operates facilities across several states including Arizona, California, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada, and Wyoming according to the official website. Banner Health ranks among the largest nonprofit health systems in the nation according to the official website.
Looking ahead, Banner Health aims to expand robotic techniques across all transplant procedures with hopes of further improving outcomes for patients while simplifying health care delivery as stated on the official website.
