Surat, January 06, 2024: A 14-year-old boy got a new lease of life after receiving liver from a brain-dead patient and underwent liver transplant at Nanavati Max Hospital, Mumbai. The recipient—a resident of Nashik was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder, causing excessive serum cholesterol levels, rising the risks of heart attacks and stroke at an early age. He had been on the cadaver liver waiting list since April 2022.
The donor, an 18-month-old toddler from Surat, suffered a fall at home, and was declared brain-dead at a private hospital in Surat. He was identified as a potential organ donor, after consent by the family.
A 281km, interstate green corridor was set up to transport the liver from the private hospital in Surat to Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mumbai to perform a life-saving liver transplant surgery. The liver was speedily transported covering a distance of 281km in 4 hours 20 minutes, with the cooperation between police authorities from two states – Gujarat and Maharashtra.
The Mumbai Police and traffic authorities were instrumental in facilitating the rapid transportation of an organ through busy city streets. Their coordinated efforts ensured the ambulance could navigate the 20-kilometer stretch from Dahisar Checknaka to Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital in just 24 minutes
The transplant was performed at Nanavati Max Hospital, Mumbai by a team of doctors led by Dr Anurag Shrimal, Director – Transplant Surgery and Dr Vibhor Borkar, Director, Pediatric Hepatology & Gastroenterology from Nanavati Max Institute of Liver, Intestine and Pancreatic Transplant.
Commenting on the case, Dr. Shrimal said: “The recipient’s case of Type 1 familial hypercholesterolemia is particularly challenging as despite rigorous medical management, his serum cholesterol levels remain alarmingly high (two to three times that of permissible limits), leading to degeneration of blood vessels and early onset of atherosclerosis. This condition not only affects his liver’s ability to regulate cholesterol but also significantly increases his risk for early cardiovascular and neurological complications.”
Dr Borkar said that a successful liver transplant has the potential to address the underlying genetic enzyme defect in Aditya’s liver, essential for controlling cholesterol levels. “This timely intervention, could stabilize the damage caused by previous plaque buildup and reduce the burden of his current condition. This is a significant step towards improving his overall health, quality and longevity of life,” Dr Borkar added.
The transplant surgery was performed by a team of over five doctors and total duration was four hours. The patient is doing well post-transplant and recuperating.
Expressing gratitude & emphasising the need for more organ donations, Mangla Dembi, Senior Vice President and Head, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital said, “The significant rise and awareness in paediatric organ donations can prove to be lifesaving for children with high-risk conditions. Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mumbai, continues to be at the forefront of medical advancements, providing exemplary healthcare services that transform lives and contribute to a healthier society.”
Mr. Pravinkumar Padwal, Joint Commissioner of Police (Law & Order) said, “at Mumbai Police, we take pride in our role in a critical, multi-state lifesaving initiative such as organ transplantation. We commend the courageous Surat family who, despite their profound loss, chose to donate their toddler’s organs, offering a new beginning to numerous children. Our thoughts are with the 14-year-old recipient, now recuperating at Nanavati Max Hospital and wish him a swift recovery.
Mumbai Police will remain committed to facilitate green corridors for the secure and fast transport of organs. We encourage community members to spread awareness about organ donation, which has the potential to save countless lives.”
Corporate Comm India (CCI Newswire)