Story of the first liver transplant in Saudi Arabia

Abstract EN

Chronic liver disease is common in Saudi Arabia with viral hepatitis and schistosomiasis being the common causes.

I herewith describe the experience on the first liver transplantation in Saudi Arabia and the Arab World.

The patient was a 23-year old Saudi male who had cirrhosis of the liver secondary to sclerosing cholangitis.

He underwent orthotopic liver transplantation on July 30, 1990.

The post-operative course was uneventful and immunosuppression comprised of small doses of cyclosporine, azathioprine and prednisolone.

The patient continues to be well six years post-transplant and is adequately rehabilitated.