Media Release

Mangaluru, Aug 30: In a remarkable medical achievement, doctors at Yenepoya Medical College Hospital have successfully performed a renal transplant on a patient diagnosed with Alport syndrome, a hereditary condition that often leads to chronic kidney disease. This groundbreaking procedure offers hope not only to the patient but also to the thousands of individuals worldwide affected by this rare genetic disorder.

Ragavendra, 15-year-old diagnosed with Alport syndrome, underwent the life-changing surgery during a complex and meticulously planned operation led by a team of renowned transplant surgeons and supported by dedicated medical personnel.

Alport syndrome, a genetic disorder characterized by slow deterioration in renal function and failure in second decade. It was previously understood that successful renal transplants for Alport syndrome patients were exceedingly rare due to the possibility of the donor organ eventually succumbing to the same genetic malfunctions that caused the original kidney failure. However, recent advancements in medical research and technology have paved the way for this extraordinary breakthrough.

This is an incredible moment for medical science and for the patients battling Alport syndrome," they said. "While there is still much to understand about the long-term effects of transplanting kidneys into patients with this genetic disorder, this achievement gives hope to all those affected by Alport syndrome,” doctors quoted.

The transplant team was faced with the formidable challenge of ensuring a suitable organ match for the patient. Thanks to the meticulous efforts of the medical team and the unwavering determination of the patient's family, patient’s mom was identified as compatible kidney donor. Additionally, innovative genetic testing and screening techniques were employed to minimize the risk of the Alport syndrome affecting the newly transplanted organ.

This particular patient was evaluated from other multiple hospitals across the region and was found to have high risk for renal replacement therapy in the form of transplantation. Multi-disciplinary team including Urology, Nephrology, Anesthesia, Hematology, ENT and Ophthalmology of the Yenepoya Medical College thoroughly evaluated and made him fit for transplant. Detailed discussions were held by the multidisciplinary team and opinions from experts in the field of renal transplant in and out of the country were taken .Since the disease runs in the family, high risk of rejection and low graft survival was explained to the patient and relatives. Patient’s mom volunteered to donate the kidney and she also was extensively evaluated. Transplant team includes Dr Mujeeburahiman, Dr Santhosh Pai, Dr Altaf Khan, Dr Nischith D’Souza, Dr Thippeswamy, Dr Hisam bin Abdulkhader, Dr Gurunandan, and Dr Aijaz,

Institute of Nephro-Urology Renal Transplant under Yenepoya deemed to be University is performing regular renal transplant including pediatric, cadaver, previously failed renal transplant by open/lap/ newer robotic technique at affordable rates.

Chancellor Abdulla Kunhi, pro-chancellor Farhad Yenepoya and vice chancellor Dr. Vijaya Kumar of Yenepoya deemed to be University announced that eligible patients will be provided minimally invasive renal transplant at the affordable rates.