First cadaveric bone donation performed at K S Hegde Hospital in Mangaluru

Mangaluru: In a rare case, a cadaveric bone donation was performed at K S Hegde Hospital in Deralakatte in Mangaluru.

32-year-old Eshwara N, a resident of Jamboor village, Somwarpet, tragically succumbed to severe head injuries he sustained in a road traffic accident. Eshwara was admitted to the hospital under Nitte Deemed to be University, where he was treated for his injuries. Despite all efforts, he passed away on Sunday.

Eshwara's sister, after being informed of his critical condition, volunteered to donate his organs. Following counselling by Akshatha Shetty, Transplant Coordinator, and the medical team including neurosurgeons, Eshwara's sister agreed to donate his bones for transplantation. Since this was a medico-legal case, the necessary permissions were obtained from the police and Eshwara's next of kin before proceeding with the donation.

Under the leadership of Dr Vikram Shetty, Professor and Head of the Department of Orthopaedics, and Founding Medical Director M Shantharam Shetty, the surgical team at the hospital carried out the bone extraction in sterile conditions.

Dr Shetty was assisted by Dr Varun Shetty, M Shantharam Shetty, and Dr Shridish Nambiar including the tissue bank team. The bones were extracted and preserved, with plastic bone substitutes inserted in place of the cadaveric bones.

Dr Varun Shetty said that this donation could potentially save the limbs of six children affected by cancer in the future, emphasising the profound impact that such donations can have on the lives of recipients. The bones will be used for limb-saving surgeries, offering new hope for young cancer patients who otherwise might have had to endure amputations. The donation is being hailed as a pioneering initiative in Karnataka, marking the first-ever cadaveric bone donation in the state.

Medical Superintendent Dr Sumalatha Shetty expressed her gratitude for the support and cooperation of the family, as well as the dedication of the medical team in making this significant donation possible. Dr Shetty further emphasised that the act of donation not only helps save lives but also aids in enhancing the quality of life for recipients of the donated tissues.