Senior nephrologists on the eve of the World Kidney Day, which falls on Thursday, have called for faster processing of permission required to take up swap transplantation of kidneys, which is expected to increase the kidney donation pool for the needy.
At present, the government’s Transplantation Committee takes anywhere between four to six months, to allow patients and their families to take up swap transplantations.
“Patients suffering from end-stage kidney ailments need quick transplantation. A waiting period of four to six months makes things tough for patients,” said Dr. G. Sridhar, Nephrologist, Global Hospitals.
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Nephrology and urology surgeons of Global Hospitals on Wednesday said that they had successfully conducted swap transplantation of kidneys between two families.
The surgeons conducted swap kidney transplantation for Dr. Madhusudhan Rao (59) and G. Srinvias Rao (40). Rama Devi, wife of Dr. Madhusudhan Rao, donated her kidney to Mr. Srinivas Rao, while his brother, Srihari, donated his kidney to Dr. Madhusudhan.
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“Swap transplantations should be considered as a living close relative transplantation. This will cut down the time that is lost in seeking permission from the government’s Committee. Authorities should realise that the kidneys are being donated by close relatives.
Quick permissions will also cut down dubious attempts to procure organs,” said Dr. Sridhar.
“Mr. Madhusudhan’s wife was an eligible donor, but their blood type was not matching. Same was the situation between Mr. Srinivas Rao and his brother Mr. Srihari. That’s why the kidneys were swapped between the two families,” said urologist and kidney transplant surgeon Dr. Malkondaiah.
The doctors said that swap transplantation was conducted simultaneously.
“We removed two kidneys and transplanted simultaneously in four different operation theatres. Swap transplantation is a good way to increase the donor pool of organs,” said Dr. K. Ravindranath, CMD, Global Hospitals.