Liver and kidney transplant from a brain-dead person into the same patient

Nepal Health News, Kathmandu – The Shahid Dharmabhakta National Transplant Center in Bhaktapur has achieved a historic milestone. For the first time in Nepal's transplant medical field, both a liver and kidney from a brain-dead person were simultaneously transplanted into the same patient at the center.

The transplant was performed on a 54-year-old man, whose liver and kidneys had both failed. In the past, patients in such conditions received separate organ transplants, but this is the first time both organs have been successfully transplanted into one person at the same time.

According to the center’s Executive Director, Dr. Pukar Chandra Shrestha, foreign specialists were previously needed for liver transplants. However, this time, the entire procedure was completed by a team of Nepali doctors, which is a significant testament to domestic medical capabilities.

The organs required for the transplant were obtained from an 18-year-old young man who was undergoing treatment at Kathmandu Medical College (KMC). The young man, a resident of Dhading, was declared brain-dead after a traffic accident at Narayangopal Chowk in Kathmandu. After confirming brain death at KMC, the organ donation process began with the family's consent.

A specialized team at KMC, led by Dr. Roshan Ghimire, transferred the liver and kidneys to the Shahid Dharmabhakta National Transplant Center, where they were successfully transplanted into the 54-year-old patient.

This marks the 12th kidney transplant and the 4th liver transplant in Nepal from a brain-dead donor. However, it is the first time both organs have been successfully transplanted into the same individual at once.

Dr. Shrestha mentioned that further details will be made public once the patient is discharged from the hospital.