The remarkable story of a Moroccan man who overcame the odds of end-stage liver disease and advanced liver cancer is a testament to medical innovation and familial love. Mohamed El Kettani, aged 64, traveled over 10,000 kilometers from Morocco to South Korea, where a team of skilled surgeons at Asan Medical Center performed a groundbreaking dual living-donor liver transplant using parts of livers donated by both of his sons, Hicham and Omar. The successful surgery not only restored Mohamed’s health but also reinforced the critical role of living-donor transplants in saving lives.
Diagnosed with hepatitis C two decades ago while managing a large oil refining enterprise, Mohamed’s health deteriorated despite successful antiviral treatment that eradicated the virus a decade later. Chronic liver disease had ravaged his liver, leading to cirrhosis and eventual liver failure, leaving him with only 15% liver function. His condition worsened significantly following the Covid-19 pandemic, culminating in a grim diagnosis of liver cancer in France, where medical professionals deemed a transplant impossible due to the advanced nature of his disease.
Faced with his father’s declining health, Omar, a 30-year-old cardiac surgeon in France, and his older brother Hicham, 33, embarked on a global search for alternative treatment options. The brothers quickly realized that a living-donor liver transplant was their father's best hope. Their research led them to Asan Medical Center, renowned for its expertise and success in liver transplants. Despite initial reluctance due to safety concerns about donor risks, Mohamed was persuaded by his sons’ determination and the esteemed hospital’s track record, and together they journeyed to South Korea.
The Complexities of a Dual Living-Donor Transplant
Upon arrival, the medical team at Asan Medical Center conducted a thorough evaluation. Mohamed's advanced liver cancer posed significant challenges, and his size necessitated a unique solution: a dual living-donor transplant was essential to provide enough liver mass while ensuring the safety of the donors. This innovative approach, pioneered at Asan Medical Center, allowed for a successful procedure despite the complexities involved, including Omar's incompatible blood type, which the skilled team had managed to navigate with their extensive experience.
On May 22, 2025, the surgical team commenced a 17-hour operation that involved meticulous coordination in three operating rooms. The brothers underwent hepatectomies to remove portions of their livers, and the surgeons successfully transplanted the grafts into Mohamed, employing advanced techniques to mitigate risks associated with his pre-existing condition. The surgery concluded in the early hours of the next day, marking a significant milestone in the family’s journey toward recovery.
A New Lease on Life
The aftermath of the surgery saw all three family members recuperating well. Mohamed expressed profound gratitude for the dedication of the medical team, emphasizing that the compassion and commitment he received played an integral role in his recovery. He remarked on the global recognition of South Korea’s capabilities in liver transplantation, noting how his family's journey underscored the hope and possibilities within the realm of modern medicine.
For Omar, the experience was not only a personal triumph but also a professional inspiration. He highlighted the exceptional healthcare system and the empathetic approach exhibited by the Asan Medical Center staff, instilling a desire to further his training at the institution. Mohamed's journey, filled with moments of despair and hope, culminated in a second chance at life, demonstrating the profound impact of familial love and the advances in medical science.
As reported by pulse.mk.co.kr.
