Hyderabad: Gleneagles Global Hospital (GGH), Hyderabad has crossed yet anothermilestones by crossing the 900+ liver transplant mark. GGH is the first medical institute in Hyderabad and the Telugu states to cross 900 liver transplants. To commemorate World Hepatitis Day, GGH launched “Bringing HEPATITIS care closer to you”, a mass awareness campaign on Viral Hepatitis, its effects and immediate action. The awareness campaign was launched in the presence of chief guest Shri Mohammed Mahmood Ali, Minister of Home, Prisons, Fire Services of Telangana, special guest actor Rajendra Prasad and guest of honour Mr Anurag Yadav, Group CEO, IHH Healthcare India.
GGH is one of the leading multi-organ transplant centres in the state. It has the largest integrated liver care program in South India with a strong legacy of over 19 years. The hospital is well-known for its pioneering work in multi-organ transplants and was the first to start a successful liver transplant as a definitive curative option for end stage liver disease patients way back in 2003, which was possible those days only due to the untiring efforts and perseverance of Dr.K.Ravindrananth. Despite COVID induced challenges, the liver transplant team at GGH has carried out more than 100 liver transplants since March 2020. Till date, more than 650 living donor liver transplants and more than 250 deceased donor liver transplants have been done successfully performed at this center of excellence with best outcomes of more than 95% success rate. This is possible only due to multi-disciplinary team efforts in form of pre-op medical optimisation, excellent surgical expertise and a dedicated liver intensive care team with least turn-around time for sick patients post-operatively. The institute also boasts of one of the best state-of the art liver intensive care units, fully equipped to manage sick patients with acute liver failure, acute-on-chronic liver failure and end stage liver cirrhosis.
“The achievement is more than just a number — it represents the lives of patients touched by the generosity of organ donors and is also hope for countless others on the waitlist who struggle with liver disease and are waiting patiently and desperately for precious, life-saving organs.” said Dr Y Raghavendra Babu, Clinical Lead & Sr. Consultant – HPB & Liver Transplant Surgery, GGH, Hyderabad
One important way of increasing the number of available organs has been living-donor transplantation, a technique that enables the patient to obtain a transplant right away, skipping the waitlist. “A living donor can be an immediate family member or extended family” explains Dr. Raghavendra. “In the procedure, a portion of the donor’s liver is removed and implanted in the recipient. Both segments (the remaining section of the donor’s liver, and the portion received by the patient) will regenerate and grow to fit the needs of each individual.”
Recently, a sick patient with acute-on-chronic liver failure was referred to us with more than 4 organ failures, on multiple life supports. Due to untiring efforts of the entire team with supportive family members, the patient survived after a timely living donor liver transplant and now recovering very well miraculously. This case exemplifies the very essence of a successful liver transplant program with a dedicated liver team and a supportive administration.
Congratulating the team, Mr Anurag Yadav, Group CEO, IHH Healthcare India, said “This is a proud moment for us as this is South India’s largest liver transplant programme. The cornerstones of the legacy of the Gleneagles Global hospitals network include our undivided focus on clinical excellence by using medical technology to save lives.” At present, 70-80% of livers obtained for transplantation in South India are a result of living donors. A very small percentage is from deceased donors. The doctors anticipate that this imbalance will correct itself in the future as awareness increases about the fact that live donors need not fear any risk to life or longevity by deciding to donate”, added Mr Yadav.
“This major milestone is the result of the tireless dedication of everyone on our liver transplant team including hepatologists, surgeons, diagnostic & pathology experts, advanced-practice nurses, and others,” says Dr Riyaz Khan, Cluster CEO, GGH, Hyderabad “Together we have come a long way in the last 12 years, pursuing innovations to increase access to organ transplantation and improve quality of life for patients.”
The team of experts at GGH, Hyderabad who made this achievement possible include Dr. Mettu Srinivas Reddy, Director and Sr. Consultant – HPB & Liver Transplant Surgery, Dr.Y.Raghavendra Babu, Clinical Lead & Sr. Consultant – HPB & Liver Transplant Surgery, Dr Chandan Kumar, Sr. Consultant – Hepatology & Lead Transplant Physician, Dr. Mohan & Dr. Ravi Chandra, senior liver intensivists, supported by a dedicated team of transplant nurses, coordinators and other supporting staff members. The hospital also has strong Laboratory team and Blood Bank equipped with facilities that are at par with international standards and helps in making transplant program successful.
