Paras Health Gurugram successfully performed a rare combined liver and kidney transplant on 10-year-old Rizwah from Srinagar, offering a lifesaving solution for a complex inherited genetic disorder. The procedure highlights the hospital’s expertise in managing highly specialized, multidisciplinary transplant cases and represents a significant milestone in pediatric transplant care in India.

Rizwah had been diagnosed with Primary Hyperoxaluria, a rare genetic condition in which the liver lacks an essential enzyme responsible for preventing oxalate accumulation. Over time, excess oxalate damages the kidneys, leading to recurrent kidney stones and eventual kidney failure. By the time she arrived at Paras Health, her condition had progressed significantly, requiring regular dialysis.

According to Dr. Vaibhaw Kumar, Director – Liver Transplant & GI Surgery, Paras Health Gurugram, the disease often appears to be a kidney disorder, but its root cause lies in the liver. “A kidney transplant alone would not have solved the problem. The underlying metabolic defect had to be corrected through a liver transplant while simultaneously addressing the kidney failure. This made a combined liver and kidney transplant the only curative option,” he said.

The family had consulted multiple healthcare institutions in India and abroad before approaching Paras Health. The case presented additional challenges as two compatible donors were required. During the donor evaluation process, Rizwah’s mother was found to be pregnant and therefore unable to donate. Following extensive medical and legal screening, two cousins were identified as suitable donors for the life-saving procedure.

The transplant was led by a multidisciplinary team under the guidance of Dr. Vaibhaw Kumar and Dr. (Prof.) Seenu Vuthaluru, Group Chairman – Renal Transplant. The surgery required nearly a month of preparation and involved meticulous coordination between transplant surgeons, nephrologists, hepatologists, anesthetists, intensivists, and nursing teams.

The operation was performed in a carefully staged manner, beginning with the liver transplant and followed by the kidney transplant. The entire procedure lasted approximately 12 hours and was completed successfully without complications.

Dr. (Prof.) Seenu Vuthaluru noted that dual organ transplants remain extremely uncommon in India, with only a handful performed annually. “Coordinating a dual organ transplant involving multiple donors is exceptionally complex. The successful outcome reflects the dedication of the clinical team, the courage of the family, and the advanced transplant capabilities available at Paras Health,” he said.

Following surgery, Rizwah recovered steadily in the intensive care unit. Significantly, she did not require a single dialysis session after transplantation, indicating immediate graft function and transplant success. She was discharged on the 11th postoperative day.

Today, two months after surgery, Rizwah is thriving with normal liver and kidney function and is expected to return to school. Her case underscores the importance of early diagnosis and specialized treatment for rare genetic disorders while reinforcing Paras Health’s leadership in advanced transplant care. Through expertise, innovation, and compassionate care, the hospital continues to offer hope to patients facing some of the most complex medical challenges.

Paras Health Gurugram has achieved a global medical milestone by successfully performing the world’s first living donor liver transplant combined with double heart valve surgery in a single operative session. The complex procedure was carried out on a 55-year-old woman from Kyrgyzstan suffering from end-stage autoimmune liver disease along with severe mitral and tricuspid valve disease.

The patient, Mrs. Anara M., arrived at Paras Health Gurugram in February 2025 after years of recurrent hospitalizations and worsening health. During her evaluation, specialists determined that a liver transplant alone would not be sufficient. Due to severe dysfunction of two heart valves, she required major cardiac surgery before transplantation could be safely undertaken, making the case exceptionally rare and high risk.

The surgery was led by a multidisciplinary team comprising Dr. Vaibhaw Kumar, Director – Institute of Liver Transplant & GI Surgery; Dr. Amit Rastogi, Chairman – Institute of Liver Transplant & GI Surgery; and Dr. Sanjay Kumar, Vice Chairman – Cardiac Surgery. Critical support was provided by Dr. Rajnish Monga, Chairman – Gastroenterology & Hepatology, and Dr. Amit Bhushan Sharma, Director & Unit Head – Cardiology.

Commenting on the achievement, Dr. Vaibhaw Kumar said, “This is the first reported case where a living donor liver transplant was successfully combined with simultaneous mitral and tricuspid valve surgery. The complexity of performing both procedures in one session required meticulous planning, surgical precision, and seamless coordination across specialties. This achievement sets a new benchmark in transplant and cardiac care.”

Dr. Sanjay Kumar added, “The patient’s severe valve disease posed a major challenge. Stabilizing her heart was essential before proceeding with transplantation. Successfully completing the cardiac procedure and liver transplant in one sitting reflects the strength of our multidisciplinary approach and commitment to offering patients a second chance at life.”

The landmark surgery took place on March 26, 2025. The cardiac procedure was performed first, followed immediately by a living donor liver transplant. Together, the surgeries lasted approximately 16 hours and involved a team of nearly 20 specialists, including surgeons, anesthetists, technicians, and critical care professionals.

The patient’s 23-year-old nephew donated a portion of his liver. He recovered well, was discharged on the fifth postoperative day, and returned to Kyrgyzstan within three weeks. Mrs. Anara spent eight days in the ICU followed by a week of inpatient recovery before being discharged on the 15th day. Six weeks later, she returned home and has since resumed a normal, healthy life.

This achievement was supported by Paras Health’s advanced infrastructure, including hybrid operating rooms, real-time 3D imaging, AI-assisted surgical planning, and a dedicated transplant ICU.

The successful outcome reinforces Paras Health’s position as a leader in complex, high-risk medical care and highlights India’s growing contribution to global healthcare innovation. The team plans to publish the case in a leading international medical journal to help guide the management of similar multi-organ cases worldwide.