Mumbai, 12th March 2025: In a significant development that could improve quality of life of people suffering from kidney related ailments, a team of Nephrologists, Urologists and Transplant Surgeons headed by Dr Puneet Bhuwania, Consultant Nephrologist & Transplant Physician at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road successfully performed the first Swap Kidney Transplant that saved two precious lives.
This accomplishment coincides with the Hospital achieving a remarkable milestone of completing 50 successful kidney transplants, demonstrating Wockhardt Mira Road’s expertise and excellence in Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation. The Hospital’s first Swap Kidney Transplant was successfully conducted on two blood group incompatible (ABO) donor-recipient pairs matched through kidney-paired donation. The first pair, a wife aged 52 (B) and husband aged 58 (A) as well as the second pair of a mother age 56 (A) and her daughter aged 30 (B) had incompatible blood groups. However, through a paired exchange, wife (B) from the first pair ended up donating to daughter (B) in the second pair, while the mother (A) from the second pair donated to husband (A) in the first pair.
Terming the swap kidney transplant as a ray of hope for families and patients, Dr Puneet Bhuwania said, “For those who might otherwise get excluded from transplantation due to blood group mismatch, utilizing paired kidney exchange overcomes the traditional barriers of ABO mismatch and expands the living donor pool that offers patients a chance to healthier, dialysis free life. Each of the 50 transplants we did represent a new lease on life for our patients. Our goal is not just to perform surgeries but to ensure long-term health and well-being through continuous post-transplant care and support.”
He further added, “The simultaneous surgeries on all four people required meticulous coordination across four operating rooms, with every member of the team working in perfect harmony. The results are rapid donor recovery, excellent recipient outcomes, and no complications highlight the safety and effectiveness of swap kidney transplants. Further, healthcare costs are reduced as long term dialysis is avoided.”
The procedure demonstrates how precision, innovation, and teamwork can converge to achieve extraordinary outcomes for patients suffering from end-stage renal disease. All the donors and recipients recovered well, with excellent graft function and no complications, and have been discharged from the Hospital. Both the donors and recipients thanked each other and the team of doctors for the life-saving transplant and are recovering well.
The life saving transplant was conducted by a team headed Dr Puneet Bhuwania, Consultant Nephrologist and Transplant Physician along with Dr. Jayesh Dhabalia, Consultant Transplant Surgeon, Dr. Pradeep Vyavahare, Consultant Urologist, Transplant & Robotic Surgeon, Dr Prakash Tejwani, Consultant Urologist & Transplant Surgeon and Dr Ashutosh Baghel, Consultant Urologist, Andrologist and Renal Transplant Surgeon
Urology and Renal Transplant Team, emphasized the importance of early detection and awareness, stating, “Timely diagnosis and intervention are key to improving kidney health. All the successful transplants and especially the first swap kidney transplant motivate us to further our mission of providing world-class nephrology care.”
The hospital’s expert team of nephrologists, urologists, and transplant surgeons has played a pivotal role in ensuring safe and effective transplants, improving patient outcomes, and enhancing quality of life. The success rate of these procedures underscores Wockhardt Hospital’s advanced infrastructure, cutting-edge technology, and patient-centered care.
Dr. Pankaj Dhamija, Centre Head, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Raod added “Wockhardt Hospital remains at the forefront of swap kidney transplants, minimally invasive procedures, and comprehensive renal care, reinforcing its position as a leader in the field. The hospital continues to drive awareness on the prevention and management of kidney disease, encouraging patients to seek timely medical attention.”