Robotic surgery continues to gain ground in Spanish hospitals. One of the clearest examples is the Bellvitge University Hospital, which has just reached a significant milestone: 300 kidney transplants performed with robotic assistance since it began its program in 2018. This figure consolidates it as the center with the most experience in this type of intervention in the entire country.
The growth of this technique has not only allowed for more precise operation, but also has boosted living donor transplantsThis approach offers better long-term results. In fact, over 90% of robotic transplants performed at Bellvitge Hospital have been from living donors, demonstrating the impact of technology on living donation.
A pioneering program that makes a difference
The robotic kidney transplant program was spearheaded by Dr. Francesc Vigués, who emphasizes the importance of teamwork. The multidisciplinary unit, made up of urologists, nephrologists, anesthesiologists and nursing staffThis has been key to achieving this volume of procedures. In 2025, the hospital performed a total of 207 kidney transplants, 43 of which were from living donors, all using robotic surgery. Furthermore, Bellvitge has led the way in living donor transplantation in Spain for the past three years.
One of the most significant milestones occurred in 2020, when the Urology Service carried out the world's first orthotopic kidney transplant using robotic surgeryThis technique, which involves implanting the kidney in the same place as the original organ, is indicated for patients who cannot undergo a conventional transplant and allows for much smaller incisions, reducing risks.
Advantages of robotic surgery in transplants
The precision offered by the Da Vinci robot allows to perform vascular anastomoses with millimeter accuracyThis reduces the risk of complications. Furthermore, patients recover faster: less postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays, and an earlier return to their normal lives. This is especially relevant in transplants, where the speed of recovery influences the graft's success.
The hospital has recently incorporated the Da Vinci SP (Single Port) system, which allows operate through a single incision or even through natural orificesAccording to Dr. Óscar Buisan, head of the Urology Service, this new platform opens the door to even less invasive surgeries and new indications, such as a greater number of transplants from deceased donors.
Training and expansion to other centers
The experience accumulated in Bellvitge has been useful for train teams from other Spanish hospitalsThe center has overseen the first robotic surgeries at hospitals such as Hospital del Mar, Germans Trias i Pujol, Salamanca, Cruces in Bilbao, La Fe in Valencia, Ramón y Cajal, and Reina SofÃa in Córdoba. This knowledge transfer is contributing to expanding the robotic surgery throughout the national territory.
Dr. Vigués emphasizes that the goal is to continue improving: "We are confident that, in the near future, we will be able to perform a greater number of robotic transplants from deceased donors thanks to new platforms." Technology continues to evolve, and Bellvitge remains at the forefront.
With 300 robotic transplants under its belt, Bellvitge Hospital has become a benchmark not only in Spain, but also in Europe. The combination of robotic precision, multidisciplinary work and a commitment to innovation It has improved the quality of life for hundreds of patients. Robotic surgery is not the future, but the present of Spanish medicine.