Mysuru:  Doctors at Columbia Asia Hospital, Mysuru, have successfully performed two rare Blood Group Incompatible (ABOi) kidney transplants recently, on two men, who have been on dialysis. In both the cases, their respective wives donated the kidneys and gave them a new lease of life. In an ABOi Incompatible Kidney Transplant, the blood group of the donor and the recipient do not match.

In the first case, Ramakrishna, a 65-year-old, Businessman hailing from Mandya, was diagnosed with kidney failure in the year 2012. Prior to consulting Columbia Asia Hospital, Mysuru, he was treated at multiple Hospitals.

The doctors later suggested for an ABOi kidney transplant, where Dr. P.M. Uthappa, Consultant Nephrologist, Columbia Asia Hospital, Mysuru, prepared him with various treatments to reduce the risk of rejection. The procedure was successful and both the donor and recipient are doing fine. A few minutes before the kidney transplantation, the couple celebrated their marriage anniversary at the bedside.  Ramakrishna’s wife Mamatha donated her kidney to him.

In the second case, Kodandaramaiah, a 64-year-old retired LIC agent was diagnosed with Kidney failure in the year 2018 and was initiated on dialysis. His 53-year-old wife Kamalamma, whose blood group was A positive was willing to donate her kidney but was not a match.  After extensive counselling on ABO incompatible transplant, the couple were prepared and taken up for the surgery. Post-surgery, both Kodandaramaiah and Kamalamma are doing fine and are under medications.

Dr. Uthappa said, “ABOi procedure opens up possibilities of transplant for patients who have incompatible donors but it is a lot of hard work. ABOi transplants are tricky, complicated and very technical. We are happy that it all worked out for our patients. I take this opportunity to thank the huge team of healthcare professionals who worked relentlessly during the pre-conditioning stage.”

Speaking after undergoing ABOi Incompatible Kidney Transplant, Ramakrishna said, “Life came to a standstill after I was diagnosed with kidney failure 7 years ago. I visited multiple Hospitals looking for solutions and Dialysis, though lifesaving, was draining me emotionally and financially. I had not heard of ABOi transplant can be done and that too locally in Mysuru. I just trusted my Doctors and went for it.”  

Another patient Kodandaramaiah thanked the team of doctors for performing the surgery and his wife for taking the brave step to donate her kidney.