SPARSH Hospital performs first-ever split liver transplant, saving two lives

SPARSH Hospital, Yeswanthpur, successfully performed its first split liver transplant on Sunday, August 4, 2024. The procedure involved dividing a single deceased donor liver into two, saving the lives of two adult patients. This complex surgery highlighted the hospital’s ability to conduct high-end procedures with the support of its infrastructure and multidisciplinary team.

The case began when a young patient with severe head trauma was admitted to SPARSH Hospital, Yeswanthpur. Despite efforts to save the patient, they were declared brain-dead. The patient’s family agreed to donate all organs, prompting the hospital to activate its multidisciplinary team for the life-saving surgeries.

Dr Goutham Kumar, Lead Consultant for Liver Transplant and HPB Surgery at SPARSH Hospital, explained the significance of the procedure. “India faces a severe organ shortage, with increasing waitlists for all types of organ transplants and limited donations. One strategy to address this challenge is the split liver transplant technique, where a single deceased donor liver is divided into two parts, typically with the right portion transplanted into an adult and the left portion into a child,” he said.

After a thorough evaluation, the team decided to transplant the split liver into two adult recipients. The liver was divided into two functional lobes, with one lobe transplanted into a 53-year-old male and the other into a 59-year-old female. Both recipients weighed over 70 kilograms.

Col. Rahul Tewari, COO of SPARSH Hospital, Yeswanthpur, commented on the rarity of the procedure. “To split a deceased donor liver and transplant them successfully in two fully grown adults is a very rare feat. It’s very important to choose the right recipients, and the process should be such that the liver is not kept outside the body for very long. A lot of things should fall into place at the right time,” he said.

The surgery was the first split liver transplant performed by SPARSH Hospital. The successful execution demonstrated the hospital’s readiness, with the necessary infrastructure, specialised teams, and experience to manage such intricate transplant cases. Alongside the liver transplant, the patient’s left kidney was also transplanted at SPARSH Hospital, while the right kidney and heart were sent to other healthcare institutions in the city.

Joseph Pasangha, Group COO of SPARSH Hospitals, emphasised the collaborative effort involved in the surgery. “This achievement is a testament to the exceptional skills and dedication of our surgical team. Once organ donation approval came in, our multidisciplinary team immediately swung into action. Our team worked tirelessly to ensure the best possible outcomes for both recipients. The successful execution of a split liver transplant not only expands the donor pool but also offers hope to patients on waiting lists,” he said.

He also acknowledged the support and coordination provided by the State Organ & Tissue Transplant Organisation (SOTTO Karnataka), the Government of Karnataka, and the Department of Health & Family Welfare, which played a pivotal role in the success of the procedure.

The success of this procedure reflects SPARSH Hospital’s capability to handle complex surgical cases, including transplants. The hospital continues to advance in medical care through innovative solutions, solidifying its position in the field of organ transplantation.