Pioneering HIV-Positive Renal Transplant in Delta Tamil Nadu
"Transplants are not just about organs; they are about second chances at life," says Dr. Sakthi Selvakumar, a consultant nephrologist at Kauvery Hospital, Trichy Cantonment. This statement captures the essence of renal transplantation—a field where courage, innovation, and compassion come together to offer patients a new lease on life.
Dr. Sakthi recalls a truly remarkable and groundbreaking case involving an HIV-positive patient, believed to be the first of its kind in Delta Tamilnadu. The recipient was a 110-kilogram man who had been living with HIV since 2014. Despite his long battle with the disease, he was determined to live a full life, supported by his antiretroviral therapy. However, his journey took a challenging turn in early 2021 when he contracted COVID-19, which led to kidney failure. By August 2022, he needed regular dialysis to survive.
In a touching twist, his wife, also living with HIV, had recently given birth to a baby girl. When his sister-in-law learned of his deteriorating condition, she stepped forward, determined to help. She was a perfect blood match and willing to donate her kidney, but the family faced non-approvals one after the other from every center they visited due to the perceived risks of the surgery.
"When they first came to me, I also felt hesitant," admits Dr. Sakthi. "I understood their fear and concern. But knowing that similar transplants had been successfully performed in other parts of India gave me hope. I realized this wasn't just about taking a risk; it was about giving a family a chance to stay together."
With newfound resolve, Dr. Sakthi and his team meticulously planned the transplant, addressing every possible complication. They ensured the patient’s HIV was under control and that he was otherwise healthy enough for surgery. It was a challenging journey, requiring the support of a dedicated surgical team, extensive evaluations, and unwavering determination from both the donor and recipient.
The surgery was performed with exceptional skill and courage by urologists Dr. Senthilkumar, Head of the Department of Urology, and Dr. Sasikumar. Leading the surgical team, Dr. Senthilkumar's vast experience and steady hand were instrumental in navigating the complexities of this high-risk procedure. His commitment to taking on such a challenging case set a precedent for what is possible in transplant surgery. Both he and Dr. Sasikumar approached the surgery with confidence and precision, exemplifying the highest standards of surgical excellence.
The patient's post-operative care involved close monitoring in an isolated ICU to minimize infection risks and every step of the process was closely monitored to ensure the best possible outcome.
One year later, the patient is thriving. Regular check-ups have shown that his kidney is functioning well, and his HIV remains under control. This successful transplant stands as a beacon of hope, showing that with careful planning, collaboration, and courage, barriers can be broken.
"This journey wasn’t mine alone," says Dr. Sakthi, reflecting on the immense support from Dr. Senthilkumar, Dr. Sasikumar, and the courageous surgical team. "It was a shared effort—a testament to the power of teamwork, trust, and the belief that every patient deserves a chance."
For the patient and his family, this transplant was more than just a medical procedure; it was a lifeline, a chance to watch his daughter grow up, and a promise of more time with his loved ones. As medical science continues to evolve, stories like this set a new standard for what is possible, offering hope to those who once seemed beyond help.
Renal transplantation for HIV-positive patients, once considered impossible, now represents the triumph of determination, expertise, and the unshakeable belief that every life is worth fighting for.
