King Faisal Specialist Hospital achieves world-first liver transplant for rare blood disorder patient
King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSHRC) in Riyadh has achieved a medical milestone with the world’s first liver transplant for a patient suffering from a rare genetic blood clotting disorder. The institution provided 22 years of continuous care before successfully completing the groundbreaking procedure.
The patient, diagnosed in infancy with congenital plasminogen deficiency—a rare condition that prevents the body from dissolving blood clots—faced life-threatening complications from fibrous tissue buildup. KFSHRC’s multidisciplinary team stabilized her condition and sustained her quality of life through a comprehensive care system involving hematology, nursing, nutrition, IT, and transplant specialists.
Saudi government commitment to advanced healthcare
The case highlights the Saudi government’s dedication to healthcare excellence. Over the years, the patient required regular intravenous plasminogen and specialized eye drops, costing over 6 million SAR annually—fully covered by the state. This underscores the Kingdom’s investment in advancing human health, even in the rarest and most complex conditions.
Her father expressed deep gratitude, stating that his daughter’s recovery was possible through both divine providence and the unwavering medical capabilities provided by the Saudi leadership.
Dr. Hazzaa Al-Zahrani, Director of Adult Hematology and Stem Cell Transplant at KFSHRC, explained that the liver transplant was considered only after years of careful management. The successful surgery not only transformed the patient’s life but also set a precedent in global medicine, offering hope for others battling similar rare conditions.
This achievement reflects King Faisal Specialist Hospital’s vision of patient-centered care, merging scientific innovation with compassion to provide world-class treatment in line with its mission to serve society at the highest level.
