India's first live donor simultaneous pancreas kidney transplant

Hi All, 

With great pride I wish to inform all that our team at NH performed the first living donor simultaneous pancreas kidney transplant in India. The patient, Neerja, has since been discharged and is doing well. Feels great to be a part of this team and also see our pictures in the newspapers. Three cheers for the Anaesthesia team at NH. Fortunately we did not have much issues during the procedure, but let me caution you that the surgery is not without considerable risk - to both donor & recipient. Having spoken to my classmate who is a multiorgan transplant surgeon in the US, I realised that complications for the donor can arise even 2 years post surgery. But as of now we can say that a very needy patient has really benefited from this procedure following an act of great personal sacrifice on the part of the father. What more can I say about parents ---- they always give their children throughout their lifetime. My deepest & sincerest thanks to all parents in this world.

Live donor SPK ( simultaneous pancreas kidney ) is extremely rare in the world. In the US some 18 - 20 cases only have been reported. The major stress there is on live kidney & cadaveric pancreas done simultaneously. I am sure that with more awareness we will see more & more of cadaveric transplants in the near future.

I have never celebrated World Anaesthesia Day in a more rewarding fashion, having done this pathbreaking case on 16th October this year.