PGI Chandigarh Triumphs in High-Stakes Organ Transplant Operation
In a remarkable display of medical expertise and determination, the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGI) in Chandigarh successfully executed a high-risk organ retrieval and transplant operation on January 23. This complex procedure was carried out despite facing severe weather conditions and extremely tight time constraints, showcasing the resilience and dedication of the medical teams involved.
Organ Donation from Brain-Dead Donor
The life-saving mission began when a 42-year-old brain-dead donor, Raghu Paswan, a mason from Bihar, was declared dead following a fatal fall. His family, demonstrating immense compassion, consented to organ donation at AIIMS Rishikesh. This generous decision enabled the retrieval of multiple vital organs, including the heart, lungs, liver, kidney, and pancreas.
The retrieved organs were allocated as follows:
- The heart was sent to Army Hospital (Research & Referral) in Delhi
- The lungs were transported to Chennai for transplantation
- The liver, one kidney, and pancreas were allocated to PGI Chandigarh
Challenging Journey Through Severe Weather
Two specialized teams from PGIMER embarked on this critical mission on January 22 at 9 pm. The liver retrieval team was led by Dr. Swapnesh Kumar Sahu, while the pancreas retrieval team was headed by Dr. Shivakumar Patil. Their journey from Chandigarh to Rishikesh proved exceptionally challenging as they navigated through heavy rain, freezing temperatures, and strong winds during a six-hour drive, finally reaching their destination by 3 am.
Professor L. Kaman, head of the department of general surgery at PGI, highlighted the significance of this achievement: "For the first time, a liver was transported by road from AIIMS Rishikesh to PGI under such severe weather conditions to minimize ischemia time." This careful timing was crucial for preserving organ viability.
Establishment of Green Corridor
Following the organ retrieval around noon, authorities established an extensive Green Corridor spanning nine districts. This coordinated effort enabled the medical teams to transport the organs back to PGI Chandigarh by 3 pm, where surgical teams were already prepared and waiting. The efficient transportation system proved vital for the success of the time-sensitive procedures.
Critical Pancreas Transplant Operation
The pancreas transplant presented particular challenges, as this organ must be transplanted within a strict 12-hour window to remain viable. Professor Ashish Sharma, head of renal transplant at PGI, explained their innovative approach: "The recipient surgery was initiated while the organ was still in transit to save crucial time." This strategic decision proved successful when the pancreas was successfully transplanted into a 28-year-old woman who had been suffering from Type 1 diabetes for nearly two decades.
Professor Sharma further emphasized the broader context of pancreas transplantation in India: "There are very few pancreas transplant programs in the country despite a large number of patients with diabetes and kidney failure. Given the distance and weather challenges, the teams were stretched to the limit."
Medical Collaboration and Achievement
This successful operation represents a significant milestone in Indian medical transplantation, demonstrating:
- Exceptional inter-institutional collaboration between PGI Chandigarh and AIIMS Rishikesh
- The effectiveness of established Green Corridor systems for organ transportation
- The capability of medical teams to overcome extreme environmental challenges
- The life-changing impact of organ donation decisions by families
The teams proceeded directly to the operation theatre upon arrival at AIIMS Rishikesh, maintaining their focus on the critical task at hand. This successful multi-organ transplant operation not only saved multiple lives but also set new standards for organ transportation under adverse conditions in India's healthcare system.
