Safdarjung Hospital Achieves Milestone with First Pediatric Kidney Transplant

On November 25, 2023, VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi celebrated a significant achievement by successfully performing its first pediatric renal transplant. This landmark procedure involved an 11-year-old boy suffering from end-stage kidney disease, who had been undergoing regular dialysis due to a rare condition known as bilateral hypodysplastic kidneys.

The boy, who hails from Sultanpur in Uttar Pradesh, received a kidney from his 35-year-old mother. According to the hospital’s statement, this transplant marks not only a first for Safdarjung Hospital but also for any central government hospital in India.

Details of the Procedure

The child’s condition was diagnosed approximately one and a half years ago when he was admitted to the pediatrics department at Safdarjung Hospital in critical condition, having suffered a cardiac arrest. Dr. Shobha Sharma, Director Professor and Incharge of Pediatric Nephrology, led the pediatric team during the surgery and noted that the child had been under their care since his diagnosis of kidney failure.

Performing a pediatric kidney transplant presents unique challenges compared to adult transplants. Dr. Pawan Vasudeva, Director Professor and Head of Urology and Renal Transplant, explained that the procedure requires anastomosing the donor kidney to larger major vessels in the recipient, as well as ensuring there is adequate space for the adult kidney within the child’s body. Following the surgery, Dr. Vasudeva confirmed that the donor kidney has integrated well, and the child’s kidney function has normalized.

Commitment to Healthcare Accessibility

The child has had an uneventful recovery, is now off dialysis, and is expected to be discharged soon. Dr. Sandeep Bansal, Director at VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital, emphasized the institution’s commitment to providing high-quality healthcare at no cost to all citizens. He expressed satisfaction in seeing the boy, whose father works as a daily wage laborer, now free from dialysis and in good health.

This successful transplant was especially significant for the family, who had previously lost hope due to the high costs associated with similar procedures in the private sector, which can reach approximately 15 lakhs (INR). The hospital also announced that it would provide essential immunosuppressive medications, necessary for kidney transplant patients, free of charge to the child.

The successful completion of this pediatric renal transplant underscores the hospital’s dedication to advancing healthcare access and its ability to perform complex surgical procedures. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, such milestones highlight both advancements in medical science and the importance of equitable healthcare access for all.