Mumbai Doctors Transform Life of Kolkata Youth with Type-1 Diabetes
A 25-year-old Kolkata youth, who has been battling Type-1 diabetes since the age of three, has been given a new lease of life thanks to a successful Simultaneous Pancreas-Kidney (SPK) transplant performed by doctors at Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital in Mumbai.
Type1 DiabetesTransplantNanavati Max HospitalSimultaneous Pancreaskidney TransplantOrgan DonationReal Estate MumbaiAug 26, 2025
Rishi Sharma, a 25-year-old student from Kolkata, underwent a successful Simultaneous Pancreas-Kidney (SPK) transplant, which has relieved him from lifelong insulin injections and dialysis. The complex four-hour surgery was performed by a multidisciplinary team of doctors, led by Dr. Jatin Kothari, senior director, Nephrology & chief consultant, Renal Transplant Medicine, and Dr. Gaurav Chaubal, director, Liver & Multi Organ Transplant at Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital in Mumbai.
Rishi had been dependent on multiple insulin injections daily since childhood. Over the years, uncontrolled diabetes led to progressive complications, including eye damage, stunted growth, and ultimately end-stage kidney failure almost three years back, making him completely dependent on dialysis. Despite dialysis, his condition was deteriorating, and then his family approached Nanavati Max Hospital.
Post thorough evaluation, it was revealed that he needed a simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplant to lead a healthy life. He was then registered on the organ transplant waitlist, and after six months, he got a call for surgery. Through the cadaveric organ donation of a 41-year-old patient, who had been declared brain dead at the hospital, following internal bleeding in the skull, the organs were retrieved for transplant. The donor’s family consented to donate his organs, fit for transplant: pancreas, kidneys, liver, and heart. Rishi was found to be an ideal match for both the kidneys and pancreas.
Speaking about the case, Dr. Kothari said, “Not every individual with diabetic kidney failure qualifies for this simultaneous procedure. Pancreas-Kidney transplant is recommended only for patients with insulin-dependent Type-1 diabetes who have developed end-stage kidney disease. By transplanting both organs together, we were able to not only treat his kidney failure but also correct the root metabolic defect, thereby freeing him from insulin dependence. The surgery went on for four hours, and the patient was discharged 21 days post-operative.”
Dr. Chaubal, who performed the transplant, said, “It is commendable that, in the face of a grave tragedy, the family decided to donate the organs of their loved one and gave a new lease of life to four individuals with end-stage organ failure. The case also highlights the importance of an organised deceased-donor programme and centres with the depth of experience, technology, and clinical governance that our hospital offers.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Simultaneous Pancreas-Kidney (SPK) transplant?
A Simultaneous Pancreas-Kidney (SPK) transplant is a surgical procedure where both a pancreas and a kidney are transplanted into a patient with Type-1 diabetes and end-stage kidney disease. This procedure aims to correct both the metabolic defect and kidney failure.
Who are the best candidates for a SPK transplant?
The best candidates for a SPK transplant are patients with insulin-dependent Type-1 diabetes who have developed end-stage kidney disease. These patients benefit from the simultaneous correction of both conditions.
What are the potential complications of a SPK transplant?
Potential complications of a SPK transplant include rejection of the transplanted organs, infection, and surgical complications. However, with proper medical care and follow-up, these risks can be minimized.
How long does the recovery process take after a SPK transplant?
The recovery process after a SPK transplant can vary, but patients are typically hospitalized for about 21 days post-operative. Full recovery and return to normal activities can take several months.
What is the importance of organ donation in SPK transplants?
Organ donation is crucial for SPK transplants as it provides the necessary organs for patients in need. The decision by a family to donate organs can save multiple lives, as seen in Rishi's case where one donor helped four individuals.
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