Haryana: Amrita Hospital successfully performs rare third kidney transplant on 47-year-old DRDO scientist

Faridabad: Devendra Barlewar, 47, a DRDO scientist, now has five kidneys after a rare third kidney transplant was successfully completed at Amrita Hospital in Faridabad. He had two failed kidney transplants and has been fighting chronic renal disease for 15 years.

Completed on January 8, 2025, the intricate four-hour procedure represents a major breakthrough in organ transplantation in India. After the family of a 50-year-old farmer who was brain dead decided to donate his kidneys, the surgery became feasible.

According to Senior Urology Consultant Dr. Ahmed Kamaal, “This case presented extraordinary challenges.” Significant immunological hazards were posed by the existence of four existing kidneys, necessitating specific precautions. To reduce the chance of rejection for his new kidney, we adjusted the immunosuppressed patient prior to the transplant.

“Surgically, we faced limited space for the fifth kidney due to the patient’s thin build and an existing incisional hernia,” said Dr. Anil Sharma, Senior Consultant in Urology. Additionally, because the conventional vessels had already been used in prior procedures, we had to connect to the greatest abdominal blood vessels.

“Being dependent on dialysis severely restricted my life; going through two failed kidney transplants was extremely challenging,” Devendra Barlewar said in an expression of thanks. When no one else would take on a situation this complicated, the staff at Amrita Hospital offered me another opportunity. My general health has improved, and I can now carry out everyday tasks on my own. My freedom and optimism have been restored along with my kidney function thanks to this donation.

The difficulties involved in such a surgery were highlighted by Dr. Kunal Gandhi, Senior Consultant in Nephrology. Serious immunological issues arise when there are many non-functioning kidneys, especially in the early postoperative period. Rejection may result from these problems if they are not addressed. For the greatest results, advanced medical technology is essential, including CT scans for preoperative planning and cutting-edge lab testing to evaluate antibody levels. With in-house access to the most recent immunological testing, we guarantee accurate assessment,” he said.

The procedure’s intricacy was emphasized by Dr. Sameer Bhate, Senior Consultant and Head of Cardiac Surgery, who said, “The process of anastomosis renal vessels to the largest abdominal blood vessels is intricate and requires careful surgical expertise.”