Davao Doctors Hospital (DDH) has made history by becoming the first hospital in Mindanao to successfully perform an Open Recipient Kidney Transplant with Donor Laparoscopic Nephrectomy. This pioneering achievement reinforces DDH’s role as a leader in advanced, safe, and patient-centered healthcare in Southern Philippines.

The procedure was executed with precision and care on October 3, 2025, and stands as a testament to the hospital’s commitment to innovation in transplant surgery. Spearheaded by a multidisciplinary team of skilled medical professionals, the milestone highlights the clinical capability and strong collaborative spirit at DDH.

Enhancing this achievement were the insights and mentorship of two leading experts from the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI), Quezon City:

• Dr. Ernesto L. Gerial Jr., Past President of the Philippine Urological Association and former NKTI Urology Training Officer

• Dr. Emmanuel V. Lenon, Past Chairman of NKTI’s Department of Urology

Their presence ensured that the procedure met the highest national standards of laparoscopic kidney transplantation.

The team behind the successful operation included:

• For the Donor: Dr. Jay-R R. Enojo performed the laparoscopic nephrectomy with anesthesia care led by Dr. Angelica M. Palabyab.

• For the Recipient: The transplant was conducted by primary surgeon Dr. Emmanuel Del Fierro, assisted by Dr. Louie A. Metran. Nephrologist Dr. Mark Anthony A. Tom and anesthesiologist Dr. Manuel J. Gonzaga provided critical care.

• Additional Specialists: Urologists Dr. Herman L. Sorongon, Dr. Manuel S. Belisario, Dr. Victor Espino, and Dr. Michael Jonathan L. Latayan also played key roles.

Laparoscopic nephrectomy is a minimally invasive technique that offers faster healing and fewer complications for donors—making it a safer, more comfortable approach to kidney donation. With this first successful case, DDH is now fully equipped and committed to perform more laparoscopic donor nephrectomies, setting a new standard in kidney transplant care for the region.

This historic milestone was made possible by the outstanding coordination between DDH’s Operating Room Team, Renal Replacement Center Transplant Coordinators, and the broader Care Team—further proving that DDH continues to redefine clinical excellence in Mindanao.