First-ever combined kidney and liver transplant surgery from brain-dead person

By Mahima Devkota, Kathmandu, May 25: Shahid Dharmabhakta National Transplant Centre (SDNTC) has performed the first-ever complex combined kidney and liver transplant surgery in the country from a brain-dead person.

Managing Director at the SDNTC, Dr Pukar Chandra Shrestha, said that a team of skilled doctors of SDNTC conducted the first-ever combined kidney and liver transplant surgery in the country from a brain-dead person. Kidneys and liver of an 18-year-old brain-dead person, who passed away in an accident, were donated to two people, Shiva Maharjan and a 42-year-old woman, thus saving their lives.  

He said so while addressing a press conference organised today.  

He said, “A huge leap has been made in the medical field following the successful liver and kidney transplant on a single person. But, the successful stories like these are few and far between, a single successful case in over 150 calls and coordination. Though aware that organ donation and transplant help to save the lives of many people; however, hesitation and resistance from the families of organ donors and recipients is still there.”

He said that people are still not comfortable with the concept of organ donations and there is a resistance from families of confirming to donate from brain-dead deceased relatives. On the other hand, there is a tedious process of receiving organ donation as well. There is a short span of time where finances, blood points and a hassle need to be managed for the organ recipient and their families as well. 

National Coordinator of the Coordination Unit for organ donation and transplant Dr Kalpana Kumari Shrestha, said that the teamwork made the transplant successful. 

She urged denizens in need of a transplant to register themselves in the unit and to provide a blood report every three weeks. Those with the highest score, after getting samples checked, can proceed with the organ transplantation process. 

She informed that the transplantation of the liver is around Rs 1.5 to 2 million, and the kidney transplant is free.  

The hospital performing two-thirds of the transplants in the country lacks basic amenities

Managing Director Shrestha said that the government has facilitated the donation process. Rs 200,000 is given to the donor family and Rs 75,000 to the facilitator hospital, however, doctors performing these complex surgeries are working around the clock and without compensation. 

He said that the hospital performing two-thirds of the transplants in the country lacks basic amenities and manpower. 

He said that their request for land for the hospital has fallen the deaf ears. If the government provides the hospital with land, then the hospital can build a 300 to 500-bed hospital with its internal funds. 

He further hinted at making the SDNTC a teaching institution to produce more surgeons. 

Experts stressed the need for organ donation, saying that organ donation from one brain-dead person can save up to six lives.