10-Year-Old Rizwah Undergoes Exceptionally Rare Dual Organ Transplant at Paras Health Gurugram

Delhi NCR: In a remarkable feat of multidisciplinary medical expertise, Paras Health Gurugram has successfully performed a rare, life-saving combined liver and kidney transplant on 10-year-old Rizwah, a young girl from Srinagar battling an inherited genetic disorder since birth. The procedure, which lasted over 12 hours, not only saved her life but also marked a significant milestone in India’s transplant landscape.

Such dual organ transplants are extremely rare in India—typically performed in international patients—and only 7–10 are conducted annually across the country. Rizwah’s case was further complicated by her status as an only child and the initial unavailability of her mother as a donor, who was discovered to be pregnant during evaluation.

Rizwah had been diagnosed over two years ago with Primary Hyperoxaluria, a rare inherited condition caused by the absence of a key liver enzyme. Without this enzyme, oxalate builds up in the kidneys, causing recurrent stones and eventually kidney failure.

“Primary Hyperoxaluria mimics a kidney disorder but stems from the liver, making diagnosis and treatment challenging. In Rizwah’s case, a kidney transplant alone would not have worked—the root cause had to be addressed at the liver level first,” said Dr. Vaibhaw  Kumar, Director – Liver Transplant & GI Surgery, Paras Health, Gurugram, who led the surgical team at Paras Health.

The family had consulted multiple hospitals across India and abroad before turning to Paras Health. Over the past year, Rizwah’s condition had deteriorated to the point of requiring regular dialysis. A combined liver and kidney transplant was the only curative option, but it required two compatible donors.

Eventually, two extended family members—her cousins—were identified and cleared as donors after thorough medical and legal screening.

“Coordinating a dual organ transplant with two separate donors is exceptionally complex. The courage of the family and the teamwork involved made this a truly inspiring case. We are proud to offer such advanced care here in India and see Rizwah doing so well today,” said Dr. (Prof.) Seenu Vuthaluru, Group Chairman – Renal Transplant, Paras Health, Gurugram.

“Rizwah’s example demonstrates not just Paras Health’s superior medical care but also our strong dedication to providing easily accessible, top-notch healthcare in every area we serve, from Srinagar to Gurugram. Seeing how cutting-edge medical treatments, when paired with compassionate care, can genuinely change lives is encouraging,” said Ms. Seema Vig, Zonal Director, Paras Health Gurugram, Srinagar.

The transplant preparation process took nearly a month. The surgery began with the liver transplant, followed by the kidney transplant in a carefully staged approach. In total, the procedure lasted around 12 hours and was executed smoothly without complications.

Post-surgery, Rizwah was transferred to the ICU, where she made a steady recovery. Remarkably, she did not require even a single dialysis session after the procedure—an encouraging sign of transplant success. She was discharged on Day 11 and has continued to show excellent progress.

Two months later, Rizwah is thriving and is expected to return to school after the summer break. Her liver and kidney functions are normal, and with regular medication and follow-up, she is likely to lead a full and active life.

“As a mother, it was heartbreaking not being able to donate because of my pregnancy. But seeing my daughter smile again, full of life, is nothing short of a miracle. We are forever grateful to the team at Paras Health,” said Rizwah’s mother.

This case also sheds light on a little-known but serious condition in India. Primary Hyperoxaluria is extremely rare in the country and more commonly seen in regions with consanguineous (close-relative) marriages. Genetic testing confirmed that both of Rizwah’s parents were asymptomatic carriers.

With this milestone, Paras Health reaffirms its position as a national leader in complex, multidisciplinary transplant care, offering new hope to families grappling with rare genetic and end-stage organ conditions.