In a perfect coordination with different authorities for organ transplantation of a brain dead person, PGIMER Chandigarh on Thursday not only transplanted pancreas, kidneys and corneas of a donated body but also successfully shared the liver and heart of the same brain-dead patient with Army Hospital (Research and Referral), New Delhi and AIIMS, New Delhi for transplantation there.
The family of the victim, who was declared brain dead following a severe head injury, despite their grave personal loss, had offered the organs for transplantation. Subsequently two teams of surgeons from PGIMER Chandigarh and the Command Hospital, Chandimandir swung into action to retrieve the organs.
PGIMER retrieved the pancreas, kidneys and corneas and the limbs were transplanted to needy patients at the institute only. The liver and heart of the brain-dead patient was planned to be shared with Army Hospital (Research and Referral), New Delhi and AIIMS, New Delhi.
The liver and heart were accordingly airlifted from the PGIMER, Chandigarh to New Delhi. A dedicated green corridor was established from PGIMER to the airport, due to the timely and coordinated efforts on part of the authorities at PGIMER and Chandigarh Police.
Organ sharing is a complex operation and success depends on the co-ordination between teams of surgeons, their assistants, transplant co-ordinators and the meticulous planning and liaison by Hospital administration with Army, Defence Services and Police authorities.
The endeavour of saving precious lives was very successfully accomplished due to efforts of all stakeholders and their going beyond the call of duty, for the larger good of the society.