Two women donated a part of their livers to save each other’s husband suffering from end-stage liver disease~

Global Hospitals in Parel, Mumbai, the most extensive multi-organ transplant facility in Western India, recently achieved a significant milestone by accomplishing 800 + liver, Pancreas & Intestine transplants. Adding to its achievements, a team led by Dr. Gaurav Chaubal, Director of Liver, Pancreas, Intestine Transplant Program, and HPB Surgery, Global Hospitals, Parel, mentored by Dr. Samir Shah, Director of Liver disease, HPB Surgery & Transplant & Dr. Uday Sanglodkar, Senior Consultant Hepatologist and Clinical lead liver and transplant ICU, Global Hospitals Parel has successfully conducted a swap liver transplant.  Two women generously provided a new lease on life to each other’s husbands who were struggling with end-stage liver disease by donating their part of livers. The 10-hour simultaneous transplant procedures saved the lives of both patients.

The 61-year-old gentleman Mr Ramdas Chavan hailing from Amravati suffering from diabetes, hypertension, hypothyroidism, interstitial lung disease, struggling with ascites buildup and hepatitis C that led to end-stage liver disease (liver failure) couldn’t perform his daily activities with ease. Similarly, another gentleman Mr Dinesh Sarode, a 41-year-old with a history of hepatitis B causing liver failure. The two individuals from Akola came from diverse backgrounds, were battling end-stage liver disease, and had been waiting for a transplant for 1 year.

Dr Gaurav Chaubal, Director of Liver, Pancreas, Intestine Transplant Program, and HPB Surgery, Global Hospitals, Parel said, “Their wives were eager to donate part of their livers but following a thorough recipient and donor evaluation, their partners’ blood types did not match, making their wives incompatible for the transplants. It was decided that the couples were ideal for a swap transplant.  “A swap transplant happens when the first patient’s close family member donates their organs (a kidney or part of the liver) to the second patient in need. In return, the second patient’s relatives donate their organs to the first patient. Patient Ramdas Chavan’s wife donated a portion of her liver to Dinesh Shinde, while patient Dinesh’s wife donated her liver to patient Ramdas. The two transplants were carried out concurrently for 10 hours on two donors and two recipients. The recipients were discharged in 14 days while the donor in 7 days.”

Dr. Uday Sanglodkar, Senior Consultant Hematologist and Clinical lead liver and transplant ICU, Global Hospitals Parel said, “One patient was A blood group and the second was B blood group. None of them had the same blood group in the family. Due to advances in liver transplants, a swap transplant is possible now. A swap transplant means a blood group that is not available in the family can be taken from the other family Both the patients were critically ill and required frequent hospitalizations. We successfully and skillfully did two liver transplants in a day at the same time. Both patients had a straightforward post-operative course after the transplant.

There is always a scarcity of eligible donors in liver transplantation causing mortality in patients with advanced liver disease. Swap transplantation is an excellent way to add to the donor pool and benefit more patients.” Said Dr Ameet Mandot, HOD – Clinical lead Adult Hepatology and Liver transplant, Global Hospitals Parel Mumbai.

Both the couples expressed gratitude to Dr Chaubal and his team and Global Hospital for the life-saving timely intervention and have resumed their normal lives happily. Both have thanked each other’s families for the transforming act of organ donation.

“Global Hospital has achieved a remarkable feat by successfully performing the first swap transplant of the hospital this year, effectively saving the lives of two couples. The success of this historic swap transplant not only underscores Global Hospital’s commitment to pioneering medical advancements but also opens new possibilities for addressing critical healthcare needs on a global scale. As organ donation rates are still low in the country, innovative strategies like swap transplants offer hope for patients and their families who are desperately awaiting life-saving procedures. Through its groundbreaking achievements in transplantation, Global Hospital is not just saving lives but it is also opening avenues for transformative change in healthcare,” concluded Dr Vivek Talaulikar, COO, IHH Healthcare India