Nepal Achieves Historic Milestone: First Successful Liver and Kidney Transplant from Brain-Dead Donor to Single Recipient

Nepal has marked a groundbreaking achievement in the field of organ transplantation with the successful transplant of both a liver and kidney from a brain-dead donor to a single recipient — a procedure rarely performed even globally.

The landmark surgery was carried out by the Shahid Dharmabhakta National Transplant Center (SDNTC) in Bhaktapur. The donor, an 18-year-old male, had been declared brain-dead at Kathmandu Medical College, Sinamangal, on May 14, 2024. From this donor, two kidneys and a liver were retrieved.

While one kidney and the liver were transplanted into a single patient, the second kidney was successfully transplanted into a 42-year-old female patient. Hospital authorities confirmed that both recipients are in stable condition and are expected to be discharged soon.

Led by Nepali docs

The procedure was led by transplant surgeon Dr Pukar Chandra Shrestha, with support from a multi-disciplinary team. The liver transplant team included Dr Roshan Ghimire and Dr Prabin Maharjan, while the kidney transplant was handled by Dr Dipesh Shrestha, Dr Rupesh Kumar Jha, Dr Hari Prasad Baral, Dr Rojen Adhikari and Dr Vikas Khadka.

The anesthesiology and critical care team also played critical roles in the success of the procedure. Over 50 medical professionals worked in coordination to complete the highly complex operation.

Government support

In recognition of the life-saving act of organ donation, Minister for Health and Population Pradeep Poudel announced a financial support of Rs. 2 lakh to the donor's family and Rs. 75,000 to the donor hospital. The government hopes that such incentives will encourage more families to come forward in support of posthumous organ donation.

According to estimates, 4-6 people die in road accidents every day in Nepal, and around 1,000 individuals are declared brain-dead annually in the Kathmandu valley alone. Medical experts emphasize that a single brain-dead donor can potentially save the lives of up to eight people by donating the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas, intestines, and more.

Transplant progress in Nepal

Nepal’s first liver transplant was carried out in 2073 with the support of South Korean surgeons. The first successful liver transplant by a fully Nepali team was completed seven years ago under Dr Shrestha’s leadership. Since then, the center has conducted 34 liver transplants, possibly at the lowest cost in the world, ranging between Rs 15-20 lakhs.

Additionally, the country’s first transplant from a brain-dead donor took place on May 11, 2017, with the successful transplant of both kidneys. To date, organs from six brain-dead donors have saved the lives of 15 patients through the transplantation of 12 kidneys and 4 livers.

A life-saving legacy

Doctors and health professionals continue to advocate for increased awareness about organ donation. Despite the emotional toll of losing a loved one, many families have chosen to donate organs to save others, making it the greatest form of human generosity.

Nepal’s success in this complex dual-organ transplant marks a new chapter in the nation’s medical history, one that combines compassion, expertise, and hope for patients in need of life-saving organs.