Star Hospitals has successfully performed a simultaneous liver and kidney transplant on a 54-year-old critically ill patient, Rama Rao, a businessman from Ongole, Andhra Pradesh.
The patient suffered from liver and kidney failure, compounded by multiple comorbidities, including hypertension, diabetes, and hepatitis B infection. Diagnosed with liver cirrhosis caused by hepatitis B, his condition worsened over time, leading to water retention in the body (ascites) and kidney failure, further complicating his health.
Admitted to Star Hospitals’ Hepatology and Liver Transplant department, he presented with severe infection, low blood pressure, hepatic coma, and toxin accumulation in the blood due to combined liver and kidney failure. With less than a 10% chance of survival in such cases, stabilising the patient in the ICU and performing an urgent simultaneous liver and kidney transplant was critical.
This extraordinary feat was made possible by the patient’s family, who demonstrated remarkable selflessness. The patient’s spouse donated a kidney, while his son donated a portion of his liver.
The complex 12-hour surgery involved simultaneous operations on both donors and the patient in adjacent operating theatres. Both donors were discharged within a week in excellent condition, while the patient experienced a smooth recovery, marking a new lease on life.
Dr. Mettu Srinivas Reddy, Director and Lead Surgeon at Star Liver Institute, highlighted the case’s complexity: “Multi-organ transplantation is a highly challenging procedure, especially for critically ill patients. Successfully conducting such a surgery using two family donors demands exceptional technical expertise and coordination. Our interdisciplinary team of over 50 specialists worked seamlessly to ensure success.”
Dr. Golamari Srinivasa Reddy, Clinical Lead Consultant for Hepatology and Transplant Hepatology, explained the challenges in managing the patient: “Severe liver cirrhosis and kidney failure, especially when complicated by infection, can be fatal without immediate treatment. This case underlines the importance of specialised liver intensive care and screening for hepatitis B to prevent such conditions.”
Dr. Sridhar, Director of Nephrology and Renal Transplant, emphasised the need for a kidney transplant: “With the patient’s kidney function severely impaired, a kidney transplant was vital. Without it, he would have required frequent dialysis, even post-liver transplant. A simultaneous procedure was crucial for sustainable recovery.”
Dr. Ravindranath, Chief Mentor at Star Liver Institute, lauded the hospital’s capabilities: “This successful multi-organ transplant showcases the unmatched expertise of our medical team and our advanced facilities, making Star Hospitals a preferred destination for complex healthcare needs.