Nepal Mediciti successfully performs living-donor liver transplant

KATHMANDU: Nepal Mediciti Hospital has successfully carried out a living-donor liver transplant on a 52-year-old Lalitpur resident, using a lobe donated by his wife, the hospital said on Tuesday.

Shantaman Byanjankar of Chyasal, Lalitpur, who had endured liver disease for eight years, underwent the transplant on August 20 and was discharged on September 8. His wife, 50-year-old Nanu Byanjankar, served as the donor.

“My liver was damaged because I consumed alcohol. When I was sick and kept fainting, I consulted various hospitals, but since my liver was completely compromised, a transplant was necessary,” Byanjankar said.

He had initially considered travelling to India for the procedure but opted for treatment at Nepal Mediciti after discussions with its specialists.

“When I consulted doctors in India, I learned that a transplant of equivalent quality could be performed in Nepal,” he explained. “I chose Mediciti also because of the high cost of going to India, the difficulties with accommodation and transport, and the language barrier.”

The surgical team was led by Prof Dr Umid Kumar Shrestha, head and senior consultant of the Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endoscopy department. Consultant hepato-pancreato-biliary and liver transplant surgeon Dr Ram Babu Sah performed the operation, supported by Dr Sanjay Kumar Yadav, transplant anaesthetist Dr Apurb Sharma, Dr Nirajan Mahaseth and senior radiologist Prof Dr Ram Kumar Ghimire.

“Nepali citizens no longer need to go abroad for such complex treatments,” said Dr Sah. “By providing transplant services with a highly skilled team and modern technology here in Nepal, this successful operation marks a new achievement for our health service.”

Nepal Mediciti Hospital reiterated its commitment to delivering quality care and pledged to continue offering liver transplant services domestically.