Mohan Finds Relief with Simultaneous Liver and Kidney Transplantation at VPS Lakeshore, After 15 Surgeries Performed Elsewhere

Kochi: Undergoing surgery even once in a lifetime can be daunting, but for Mohan Kambrath, a 47-year-old resident of Kannur, surgery became an annual reality as he battled a rare condition. Over the past 22 years, Kambrath underwent 14 stone removal surgeries at various hospitals in Kerala and Dubai due to Primary Hyperoxaluria, a rare genetic disorder that leads to recurrent kidney stones and damage to other vital organs.

However, his ordeal has finally come to an end with the doctors at VPS Lakeshore Hospital successfully treating him with a simultaneous liver and kidney (SLK) transplant. The simultaneous transplant marks the conclusion of a long medical journey, offering Kambrath a new lease on life after 15 surgeries. Primary Hyperoxaluria is a rare genetic disorder affecting only 1 in 10 million people. Affected individuals lack a specific enzyme in their liver that normally prevents the accumulation of oxalate in the body. Excessive oxalate can lead to the formation of kidney stones and damage to other vital organs such as the heart and eyes.

"It's my new life, as I have spent most of my time in hospitals for surgeries, and my sleep was often disturbed by bone pain due to the accumulation of oxalate crystals. I had my first stone removal surgery at Calicut Medical College when I was 24 years old. After that, I underwent 8 more surgeries in Dubai and 6 at a major private hospital in Kozhikode. Now, I am completely fine and will rejoin work in Dubai within a few weeks, as the doctor gave me a fitness certificate," said Mohan.

He was referred to VPS Lakeshore Hospital with end-stage renal disease and severe body pain a few months ago. Mohan, who received financial aid from his friends and colleagues, was treated by a team of expert doctors, including Dr. Fadl H. Veerankutty, Senior Consultant, Liver Transplantation; Dr. George P. Abraham, Senior Consultant, Urology; Dr. Abi Abraham, Senior Consultant, Nephrology; Dr. Datson George P., Senior Consultant, Urology; and Dr. Jithin S. Kumar, Consultant, Nephrology.

"Upon investigation, we concluded that only a combined liver and kidney transplantation could save his life, as the stones were accumulating in his vital organs. Following this, we formed a multidisciplinary team from Urology, Nephrology, and Liver Transplantation to perform the living donor simultaneous liver-kidney (SLK) transplantation. The surgery was carried out on two donors and one recipient at the same time in three different operation theatres. This is a rare and challenging procedure but offers both immunological and financial benefits to the patient," said Dr. Fadl H. Veerankutty, Senior Consultant and Chief, Department of Liver Transplantation.

"Contrary to the sequential liver-kidney transplant, performing the liver and kidney transplant simultaneously spares the patient from cumbersome dialysis while waiting for a kidney transplant. Dialysis during this period, when the patient is on immunosuppressive medication, is associated with a high risk of infection and, of course, adds to the cost of the surgery," added Dr. Abi Abraham.

Dr. George P. Abraham who has performed over 3,000 kidney transplants, emphasised that a simultaneous transplantation provides significant advantages for patients, including a markedly lower risk of kidney graft rejection compared to kidney transplantation alone. This technique allows for a more streamlined procedure, improving the overall success of the transplant. By minimising the risk of rejection, patients experience better long-term outcomes and enhanced recovery.

SK Abdulla, Managing Director, VPS Lakeshore, said the complex case highlights the hospital’s expertise in handling rare disorders and performing life-saving transplants.