Latest update April 25th, 2024 12:59 AM
Feb 02, 2009 News
– as second kidney transplant concludes in record time
Not only was it completed in record time, but the second and much anticipated kidney transplant operation which was held at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) yesterday was in fact a surgical success.
Lead Surgeon Dr Rahul Jindal, hours after the operation, told Kaieteur News that the recipient, 47-year-old retired Major Winston George, and the donor, his 25-year-old daughter, Melissa George, an Immigration Officer, were doing well.
According to Dr Jindal, both patients’ kidneys were working well, as they were producing urine satisfactorily, and the duo was resting peacefully in the Intensive Care Unit.
He related that it is expected that the patients may have to remain in the hospital for a maximum of four or five days, adding that every precaution will be taken to ensure that they are not exposed to infections.
Aided by his overseas team as well as a local team, the lead surgeon kicked the operation into motion at 08:00 hours, and was able to wrap up the complex procedure at 14:00 hours.
It was initially anticipated that the transplant, which constitutes two surgeries being conducted simultaneously, would have been completed at around 15:00 hours.
And this development may have resulted from the fact that Dr Jindal and his team were more comfortable in the local theatre this time around than last year when they conducted the first transplant.
In that instance, eighteen-year-old Munesh Mangal, of Lusignan, East Coast Demerara, was the recipient of a kidney from his 41-year-old mother, Leelkumarie Nirananjan Mangal.
Both are said to be leading normal lives.
“We have become more familiar with the staff, and the place makes us more comfortable. The first time, we were not familiar, and it was challenging to work in a hospital that we have not worked in before.”
However, there were still challenges that the team did face, since, according to Dr Jindal, kidney transplants are always complicated operations. For this reason, the doctor related, even after he and his team leaves, he will be assisting with follow-up treatment by advising local doctors via telephone and email.
Family Unity
Since the early morning commencement of the surgery, close relatives and friends of the patients converged at the hospital, hoping for the best possible result, as they offered silent prayers to God.
According to Mrs Lorrain George, Winston George’s wife of more than 10 years, she was forced to see her husband suffer for many years as a result of renal failure, adding that his problems were intensified after he had undergone dialysis treatment.
Lorrain George, who is an employee of the Cheddi Jagan Dental Centre, said that many days she had to seek time off to return home to care for her ailing husband.
She related that her husband has, over the years, been an exceptional father to the six children they have together, adding that it is no wonder that his eldest daughter, Melissa, opted to volunteer her kidney to save her father’s life.
“We have been together for more than 25 years, and he was always a loving father to his children, he never one day forsake them…And so I believe it was out of love that Melissa decided to give him her kidney. When you love somebody, it is all about sharing and giving…If I was a match I would have given it to him, too,” Lorrain George insisted.
As she expressed gratitude to God, the man’s 65-year-old mother, Yvonne George, described her son’s operation as “simply a miracle.”
According to her, Winston, who is the second of her six children, was diagnosed with renal failure nine years ago. She added that Government, through the Minister of Health, had been instrumental in giving her son a new lease on life.
“The whole family was always there for him. We thank God for today, and we are saying it is nothing but a miracle.”
“I was always optimistic about this day. I know God is in charge, He has always been in charge,” said Jerome Bailey, an elder cousin of the kidney recipient.
According to Bailey, he is confident that his cousin would recover and his health will no longer deteriorate, allowing him to return to his normal routine.
Keith George, a younger brother of the recipient, pointed out that the whole experience showcases a heroic act by a daughter who undoubtedly cares for her father.
“I am happy that his daughter had the courage to do what she has done. Not every child would take that step. I thank God for the courage He gave to her.”
Renal clinics continue
And even as the exhilaration of the second local successful kidney transplant simmers down, Dr Jindal and his team will be continuing renal failure clinics at the GPHC, even as they closely monitor their recovering patients.
The doctor and his team are expected to remain in Guyana for the next four days, during which they will identify patients for future operations.
According to Health Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy, of a total of 23 patients seen by the team on Saturday, four have been identified for surgery in the near future.
It is expected that the compatibility of patients and potential donors will be tested over the next few days, in order to select the most suitable cases to operate on within the next three months, when the next transplant is scheduled.
The Health Minister is optimistic that two transplants will be conducted when the doctors return.
Minister Ramsammy was high in praise for the members of the medical team that facilitated the surgery yesterday. He noted that their expertise continues to bring new hope to many Guyanese.
He added that he is moving to ensure that kidney transplants are carried out regularly every three months, and that two cases are done where possible.
Meanwhile, a press conference intended to update the media on the success of the kidney transplant will be held today.
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