First-ever organ transplant in Udupi

Philanthropic relatives of accident victim give green signal to shift organs to Bengaluru

The staff members of the Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, and the Udupi police joined hands for smooth conduct of the first-ever organ transplant in the district, including transport.

The police organised a green corridor from the KMC Manipal to Bajpe airport, ensuring zero traffic until the organs of Purushottam, aged 30 years, were airlifted to Bengaluru by the 8.30 pm flight.

Rajesh Lachchmaiah Naik from Talgod in Bhatkal, the elder brother of the deceased, told Deccan Herald that Purushottam had met with an accident while riding a motorbike at Mavinakurve on Bunder road in Bhatkal on the March 14. “He was administered first aid in the government hospital in Bhatkal and was shifted immediately to KMC Manipal, in a critical condition, as he had suffered severe head injury. There was some improvement in Purushottam’s condition during the course of treatment, but his condition deteriorated. He was declared brain dead at 2 am on March 22,” said Naik.

He decided to donate the organs of his brain dead brother to help another needy patient to live. The organs donated included Purushottam’s kidneys, liver and the heart valves. Naik added that the decision was inspired by the charitable attitude of recent accident victim Harish, who ensured that his body organs were donated before he breathed his last.

He added Purushottam’s marriage was scheduled to be held in May. His step-brother Lakshman Naik says that the family would now take up awareness campaign for organ donation in Bhatkal. He said that instead of burning the organs into ashes, it is better to see them alive in others’ bodies. He expressed a desire that his brother’s organs should be donated to the poor who are unable to afford organs for transplant.

His friend Harishchandra Naik – who is the co-owner of the boat where the deceased was working – said Purushottam was very helpful in nature. “He would rush to help the needy. He would also be the first one to stand by any cause to help the poor and needy. On the ill-fated day, Purushottam had been to Bhatkal town to relax as he was on leave for his fishing work. The incident occurred at 8 pm while he was returning home,” reminisced the friend.

Continuation
The medical team from Columbia Asia hospital, Bengaluru, reached here for harvesting the organs and for subsequent transplantation procedure at Bengaluru. Although it was difficult to arrange for the flight and travel, the team from Columbia Asia reached Kasturba Hospital by evening.

The procedure of harvesting the organs was performed by the joint team at Kasturba Hospital, Manipal. The relatives of the donor were counselled by the team comprising treating neurosurgeon Dr Girish Menon, nephrologists Dr Ravindra Prabhu, Dr Shankar, Dr Leena Ashok and Teddy Andrews from MSW Department.

Deputy Commissioner Dr Vishal R said the family is into great sacrifice. The corneas could not be retrieved owing to the severe brain injuries. The cost of medical treatment would be waived, said the official.

Medical Superintendent Dr Col M Dayanand said that the KMC has now a well-established eye bank, where the corneas can be stored for 12 to 13 days.

Superintendent of Police Annamalai said arrangements are made for easy transportation – especially the “Green Corridor” and other logistics – to take place in a time-bound manner.

The organs were shifted to the ambulance at 7.25 pm. One kidney was transplanted to a patient immediately at KMC Manipal. While the two valves of the heart, the liver and the other kidney were transported to Bengaluru. The negotiation for the second kidney transplant to a patient at Yenepoya Hospital was going on – however, the communication was delayed and the kidney was also transported along with other organs to Bengaluru.