UAB Performs First Robotic Kidney Transplant in Southeast

The new procedure is a major milestone in the world of organ transplantation.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 12:07pm

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On January 15, 2026, the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) performed its first-ever robotic kidney transplant surgery, becoming the first center in the Southeast to offer this innovative procedure. The surgery was conducted by Michael Hanaway, M.D., surgical director of the Kidney Transplant Program, and Muhammad Rabbani, M.D., assistant professor in the Division of Transplantation, using robotic-assisted surgical equipment.

Why it matters

Robotic-assisted kidney transplants offer several benefits over traditional open surgery, including reduced pain for the patient, shorter recovery time, and better cosmetic results due to smaller incisions. This advancement represents the future of kidney transplantation and positions UAB as a leader in this cutting-edge medical technology.

The details

During a robot-assisted kidney transplant, the surgeon sits at a console and uses controls to guide robotic instruments rather than working directly with their hands. Similar to a minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, the procedure utilizes a few small incisions—typically a 2-inch opening near the belly button plus a tiny incision for instruments—rather than the larger incision required in traditional surgery. According to Dr. Hanaway, 'The ability to better see into difficult areas makes a surgeon more accurate and precise. What is better for the surgeon's performance is always better for the patient's results and outcomes.'

  • On January 15, 2026, UAB performed its first robotic kidney transplant surgery.

The players

Michael Hanaway, M.D.

Surgical director of the Kidney Transplant Program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Muhammad Rabbani, M.D.

Assistant professor in the Division of Transplantation at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)

A public research university and academic health center located in Birmingham, Alabama, and the first center in the Southeast to offer robotic-assisted kidney transplant procedures.

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What they’re saying

“The advance of robotic surgical procedures over the last 10 years would suggest that robotic procedures in kidney transplantation represent its future. We are excited to be the first center in the Southeast United States to offer this option for our patients.”

— Michael Hanaway, M.D., Surgical director of the Kidney Transplant Program at University of Alabama at Birmingham

“The ability to better see into difficult areas makes a surgeon more accurate and precise. What is better for the surgeon's performance is always better for the patient's results and outcomes.”

— Michael Hanaway, M.D., Surgical director of the Kidney Transplant Program at University of Alabama at Birmingham

The takeaway

UAB's pioneering use of robotic-assisted kidney transplant surgery positions the institution as a leader in cutting-edge medical technology and represents a significant advancement in the field of organ transplantation, offering patients reduced pain, faster recovery times, and better cosmetic results.