Guwahati Medical College performs first successful cadaver kidney transplant

Digital Desk: Guwahati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) has achieved a milestone with its inaugural cadaver kidney transplant, as announced by Assam's Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, during a press briefing at the hospital on June 22.

"This is the first cadaver kidney transplant successfully performed at Guwahati Medical College and Hospital," Sarma declared.

Detailing the procedure, Sarma explained, "The two kidneys were retrieved from a brain-dead patient, Parag Gogoi, a resident of Guwahati, whose family generously donated his organs to GMCH. These kidneys were transplanted into two recipients. Today, both patients visited GMCH to have their stitches removed, and I met with them. Both are recovering well." The surgical team responsible for this success included Dr. Shashanka Baruah, Dr. Pushkar Bagchi, and Dr. Manjuri Sarma.

Highlighting the significance of organ donation, Sarma urged the people of Assam to consider contributing kidneys from brain-dead patients to save lives. "By promoting organ donation, we aim to normalize cadaver kidney transplants in Assam," he emphasized.

Cadaver kidney transplantation involves transferring a kidney from a deceased donor to a recipient suffering from end-stage renal disease. This procedure is crucial for expanding organ availability and providing hope to patients in need of kidney transplants.

Looking ahead, Sarma outlined future plans for GMCH, stating, "Upon completion of the Medical Monitoring Centre (MMC), we will initiate liver transplantation services. This initiative will further elevate GMCH's status as a premier healthcare institution in the region."

Additionally, Sarma underscored GMCH's efforts in assisting couples struggling with infertility, noting, "GMCH has launched an in vitro fertilization (IVF) center, where successful embryo transplants have resulted in pregnancies for eight women, with procedures conducted on 38 women so far. The cost of IVF at GMCH is significantly lower 

compared to private facilities, ranging from 75 thousand to 1 lakh rupees."

Encouraging media and public participation in promoting organ donation, Sarma stressed, "We should honor and encourage families of brain-dead individuals to consider this noble act through various platforms, including talk shows."

This announcement marks a significant advancement for GMCH and healthcare services in Assam, promising enhanced medical capabilities and life-saving treatments for the region.