Indian Scientist Now Living with Five Kidneys: Rare Kidney Transplant at Amrita Hospital

Barlewar received a kidney from a brain-dead farmer after the donor’s family consented to organ donation. Finding three matching kidney donors in one lifetime is extremely rare.

A third kidney transplant is highly complex as it requires additional space in the body. Doctors placed the new kidney between the existing native and transplanted kidneys.

Barlewar was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. His first transplant in 2010 from his mother lasted a year. A second transplant in 2012 lasted until 2022. COVID-19 worsened his condition, leading him back to dialysis.

Dr. Anil Sharma led the four-hour surgery on January 9 after finding a matching donor. The procedure was complex due to space constraints and the risk of rejection.

Barlewar did not need dialysis after surgery. Doctors monitored him for rejection or complications. He was discharged in 10 days with normal kidney function.

He considers himself lucky to get a third kidney when many struggle to get one. He sees this as a third chance at life and plans to resume normal activities after three months.