Fortis BG Road performs simultaneous living donor liver transplant and liver cancer surgery on a 52-year-old patient from Hassan

Fortis BG Road performs simultaneous living donor liver transplant and liver cancer surgery on a 52-year-old patient from Hassan 

 Son saves the life of his 52-year-old mother with liver cancer, by donating a part of his liver 

 Hassan,July 2024: In a significant clinical milestone, Fortis Bannerghatta Road successfully conducted two simultaneous surgeries on a 52-year-old lady for end stage chronic liver disease and early stage liver cancer. The patient got a new lease of life as her son stepped forward to donate a part of his liver. The clinical team involving  liver transplant surgeons, Dr Kishore GSB and Dr Piyush Sinha along with medical gastroenterologist Dr B S Ravindra gauged all the risk factors, considering the patients critical condition and went forward with the complex surgery.  

In the year 2021, 52-year-old Mrs. Leela suffered from jaundice and consulted a local doctor in Hassan. An ultrasound examination revealed liver cirrhosis, the end stage of chronic liver disease, which impairs liver function and structure. Additionally, she was diagnosed with ascites, a condition where fluid collects in the abdomen. Despite medical management, her liver condition severely impacted her lifestyle, leading to frequent hospital visits and the need for a liver transplant. Consequently, she was referred to the Medical Gastro team at Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road.  

Upon evaluation, Mrs. Leela was also found to have bile duct stones, necessitating endoscopy and stenting. These stones led to cholangitis (inflammation of the bile ducts, the tubes that carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder and small intestine), requiring her admission. Despite medical management by the gastro team, she developed early-stage liver cancer due to her overall health complications. Given her complex condition, the doctors recommended a liver transplant to halt disease progression and remove the cancerous portion of the liver. Her 31-year-old son, Rakesh, selflessly stepped forward as a living donor and donated a portion of his liver to save his mother’s life.  

Explaining the procedure, Dr Kishore GSB and Dr Piyush Sinha, Liver Transplant Surgeons, Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore said, “Mrs. Leela's case was complex due to the end stage of her chronic liver disease compounded by the presence of her early stage liver cancer. The decision for a liver transplant was critical to stop the progression of further liver damage and offer the patient a chance of survival and improved quality of life. The surgery involved careful planning and execution to ensure optimal function of the transplanted liver post-operation, addressing both the disease and cancer in the liver. This case highlights some very important facts that people need to know. Organ donation can save lives. In living donor liver transplants, only a part of the donor’s liver is used, and the remaining portion of the donor's liver will begin to regenerate immediately and return to its normal size in six to eight weeks. Most liver donors are able to return to an independent life one week after surgery”. 

 Dr B S Ravindra, Director, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, said “Following the liver transplant, our team's primary objective was vigilant monitoring of Leela's recovery trajectory and meticulously managing her immune system to prevent any potential rejection of the transplanted liver. We devised a careful regimen aimed at optimizing liver function, which included tailored medication plans and comprehensive supportive therapies tailored to her specific needs. Our goal was to ensure a robust recovery and provide the best possible chance for sustained health and well-being. The patient was discharged within 16 days post-surgery.” 

 Mr. Akshay Oleti, Business Head, Fortis Hospitals Bengaluru, said, “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the entire team of doctors for their dedication and commitment to clinical excellence. The successful completion of the liver transplant and liver cancer surgery in this case represents the epitome of state-of-the-art medical technology and compassionate care that Fortis Healthcare embodies. This showcases our hospital's steadfast dedication to providing top-tier healthcare services and placing the well-being of our patients at the forefront.”