In a medical breakthrough, doctors in Faridabad, Haryana, have successfully conducted liver transplants on two young girls with rare diseases with the help of a bloodless technique.
The girls, aged 10 and 11, suffered from Wilson’s disease. Wilson's disease is an inherited disorder that accumulates copper in the body and an autoimmune liver disease, where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the liver. Young girls' livers were transplanted using the bloodless technique. It is the most advanced technique applied in high-end surgeries, including organ transplants.
Doctors of Marengo Asia Hospitals, who pioneered the technique in India and South Asia said that in this technique, the blood spill from the patient is transfused back into the body, which renders the requirement of the transfusion of external blood unnecessary.
Dr. Punit Singla, Director & HOD, of Liver Transplant at Marengo Asia Hospitals, told IANS that he has witnessed the resilience of these young patients. Despite their small stature, their courage and strength in facing such a challenging surgery inspire hope not just in their families but in all of them.
Further, he added that every transplant is a testament to the power of medicine, teamwork, and the generosity of organ donors. They have given patients a new liver as well as the chance to embrace life with renewed ability and assurance.
The 11-year-old, Baby Lachyn, was also suffering from Wilson's disease. She was hospitalized in the emergency room with abdominal distension in an unconscious state. She had serious jaundice and hepatic encephalopathy. In patients with Wilson's disease, the defective protein diminishes the body's ability to eliminate excess copper. It leads to its accumulation in the liver and subsequent release into the bloodstream.
The bloodless technique helped the surgeons overcome significant risks, while the complex surgery lasted for 12 hours.
The second patient, 11-year-old Aruuzatym, from Kyrgyzstan, was presented to the hospital with decompensated liver disease, a low platelet count, and recurrent bleeding from the nose.
In both cases, the fathers of the girls were the donors. The fathers were discharged after a week, while the girls were discharged after three weeks, the hospital said.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Komal Bhoi/MSM)