Pancreas After Kidney Transplant Successfully Performed at Gleneagles BGS Hospital, Bengaluru

Bengaluru: Karnataka has marked significant progress in organ transplantation with the successful completion of the state’s first “Pancreas After Kidney” (PAK) transplant. The procedure was carried out by an expert team led by Dr. Suresh Raghavaiah, who has performed the highest number of pancreas transplants in the state.

Until now, all pancreas transplants in Karnataka were performed as Simultaneous Pancreas-Kidney (SPK) transplants.

This first PAK transplant offers a unique advantage to patients, allowing them to receive a kidney transplant early, discontinue dialysis quickly, and later benefit from a pancreas transplant that eliminates diabetes, improves quality of life, and protects the kidney from diabetes-related damage.

The Patient’s Inspiring Journey

The recipient, a 29-year-old woman, was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of 11. By 27, she developed end-stage kidney failure and was on dialysis for two years before coming to India for treatment. Her mother bravely stepped forward as a living kidney donor, enabling her to undergo a successful kidney transplant first.

After an uneventful recovery, she underwent the historic pancreas transplant by Dr. Raghavaiah’s team. Today, she is insulin-free and looking forward to a healthier future.

Expressing her gratitude, she said, “I never imagined life without insulin. For 18 years, I lived with injections and later dialysis. After the kidney transplant, I felt hopeful, and now with the pancreas transplant, it feels like a new life.

I can eat without fear, and my energy levels are back. I thank Dr. Suresh Raghavaiah and his entire team for giving me this second chance.”

Expert Insights on Immunosuppression Challenges

Managing two different transplanted organs presents unique challenges. Dr. Anil Kumar, the nephrologist involved in the case, explained: “When you perform a pancreas transplant after a kidney transplant, the biggest challenge is balancing immunosuppression.

The patient already has a functioning kidney graft, so we have to ensure that the new pancreas is accepted without compromising the kidney. It requires meticulous planning and lifelong follow-up.”

Dr. Suresh Raghavaiah explained: “PAK transplantation provides the best of both worlds, early freedom from dialysis with a kidney transplant and long-term diabetes control with a pancreas transplant. It improves quality of life while also extending the lifespan of both the kidney and the patient.”

With this successful procedure, Karnataka has strengthened its position in advanced organ transplant programs, with Dr. Raghavaiah’s team continuing to set new standards in pancreas transplantation.