First Robotic Kidney Transplant in Region

Lexington News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jun 26, 2026 · 1m

University of Kentucky Chandler Hospital just pulled off a groundbreaking first: the region’s first robotic kidney transplant. Patient Jeff Johnson, recovering just two months post-op, says the surgery was smoother than expected—with minimal pain meds and full confidence in his surgeon, Dr. Matthew Black. The donor? Jeff’s son-in-law, James, who kept the surprise from Jeff’s daughter until testing began. Both donor and recipient are thriving, and Jeff is already recommending the robotic procedure to others. This milestone marks a major leap in regional transplant care, offering less invasive…