Date:10/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/10/stories/2008091061910300.htm

New Delhi

‘In situ’ split liver transplant surgery conducted successfully

Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI: Surgeons at the Army Research and Referral Hospital here have successfully conducted an “in situ” split liver transplant surgery, giving a new lease of life to two patients suffering from end-stage liver disease.

The novel technique of “in situ” splitting of the liver involves dividing the donor liver during retrieval into two parts so that two patients can benefit from one donor organ.

According to a release issued by the hospital, the 30-year-old wife of a serving major of the Indian Army was battling for life in the ICU of Army Hospital. Despite all medical efforts, she was declared brain dead and her husband wanted her wish of organ donation to be fulfilled.

“The surgery resulted in two liver grafts. The smaller graft was transplanted into a 14-month-old baby suffering from biliary atresia and the larger right part was transplanted into a 26-year-old soldier with cryptogenic cirrhosis. Both patients are doing well postoperatively,” said the release.

“The unique surgical feat was undertaken by a team of 20 doctors and paramedical staff and took 18 hours to complete. Incidentally, the 14-month old boy was conceived by in vitro- fertilisation technique and is amongst the youngest liver transplant recipients in the country,” added the release.