Liver of braindead elderly woman transplanted

  The liver of a 79-year-old brain dead woman was transplanted on a 55-year-old recipient at Manipal Hospitals in Bengaluru on Sunday.

Rathna (name changed) was admitted to the hospital on Wednesday as she had an internal bleeding in the brain. According to doctors treating her, Rathna had intra-cerebral bleeding. The woman did not respond to the treatment and she was declared braindead on Saturday. “ Her husband, a retired army officer, gave his consent for organ donation,” said Dr.  A Olithselvan, chairman, division of liver transplant, Manipal Hospitals.

The recipient is a 55-year-old male from New Delhi who was awaiting organ transplant for the last six months. Dr Olithselvan explained that if one had a healthy living and no co-morbid conditions, their organs could be donated even if they are old.

“For instance, in this case, the woman was over 70. Yet, her organs were in good condition. She had a normal lifestyle with no associated health ailments. Thus, we could consider her liver for a transplant,” he added. However, he said that the organs of the elderly patients must be checked thoroughly before the transplant.  Her heart valves and corneas have also been donated.