Dr. Gazi Zebari, a renowned Kurdish surgeon from the Kurdistan Region now residing in the United States, has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by successfully performing the first robotic-assisted living donor kidney transplant in North Louisiana.

The historic procedure took place at Willis-Knighton North Medical Center in Shreveport, where Dr. Zebari and his team utilized the advanced Da Vinci XI robotic surgical system. This cutting-edge technology allowed for a precise and minimally invasive surgery, setting a new standard in the region’s medical practices.

The surgery was completed successfully, with several key benefits noted by the medical team, including reduced pain, faster recovery times, and a lower risk of wound infections.

Speaking about the procedure, Dr. Zebari highlighted the transformative potential of the technology. “This new technology provides a second chance to patients who were previously deemed ineligible for kidney transplants due to being overweight or obese,” he said. He further emphasized that this breakthrough will significantly enhance the quality of care for kidney transplant patients.

Dr. Zebari’s distinguished career includes graduating from the University of Tennessee and completing a fellowship at Johns Hopkins University. He currently serves as an organ transplant surgeon at the Willis-Knighton Regional Transplant Center.

Known for his dedication to both the Kurdish and international communities, Dr. Zebari continues to make strides in medical innovation, improving lives around the globe.