Tragic Outcome After Liver Transplant Sparks Investigation at Pune Hospital

liver to her husband dies alongside him following surgery”>

In a heartbreaking incident at a private medical facility in Pune, a woman who generously donated a portion of her liver to her husband succumbed to complications shortly after he passed away post-transplant. This unfortunate event has prompted the Maharashtra health authorities to launch a formal inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the surgeries.

Health Department Demands Comprehensive Report

Deputy Director of Health Services, Dr. Nagnath Yempalle, announced on August 24 that Sahyadri Hospital has been officially instructed to provide a detailed account of the transplant procedures by August 25. The hospital must submit all relevant documentation, including patient records, video footage of the surgeries, and treatment protocols.

Details of the Transplant and Subsequent Complications

The patients involved were identified as Bapu Komkar and his wife Kamini Komkar. Both underwent liver transplant surgeries on August 15 at Sahyadri Hospital. Despite initial hopes, Bapu’s condition worsened, leading to his death on August 17. Tragically, Kamini later developed a severe infection on August 21 and passed away during treatment.

Family Raises Concerns Over Possible Medical Negligence

Relatives of the Komkar couple have voiced serious concerns, alleging medical negligence and demanding a thorough investigation into the deaths. They seek clarity on whether all necessary precautions and protocols were followed during the complex transplant procedures.

Hospital Responds: Adherence to Protocols and Patient Risk Factors

In response, Sahyadri Hospital issued a statement affirming that the surgeries were performed in strict accordance with established medical guidelines. The hospital emphasized that Bapu Komkar was a high-risk patient with multiple pre-existing complications, which significantly increased the difficulty of the transplant.

The hospital also confirmed that both the donor and recipient were extensively counseled about the inherent risks prior to surgery. Despite the medical team’s best efforts, Bapu suffered cardiogenic shock post-operation and could not be revived. Kamini initially showed signs of recovery but later developed septic shock and multi-organ failure, which proved fatal despite advanced interventions.

Contextualizing the Complexity of Living Donor Liver Transplants

Living donor liver transplants remain among the most challenging surgical procedures worldwide. According to recent data from the Indian Liver Transplant Registry, the one-year survival rate post-transplant is approximately 85%, but outcomes can vary significantly based on patient health and surgical conditions.

Similar cases globally highlight the delicate balance between hope and risk in organ transplantation. For instance, a 2023 case in South Korea involved a living donor transplant where both donor and recipient faced severe complications, underscoring the procedure’s inherent dangers.

Next Steps and Commitment to Transparency

The Maharashtra health department’s investigation aims to ensure accountability and improve patient safety standards. Sahyadri Hospital has pledged full cooperation with authorities and expressed condolences to the Komkar family during this devastating time.

This incident serves as a somber reminder of the complexities and risks involved in organ transplantation, highlighting the need for rigorous protocols and continuous monitoring to safeguard patient welfare.