In an advancement for organ transplantation in Pakistan, Dow University Hospital has successfully conducted its 190th liver transplant under the guidance of international medical experts. The complex surgery involved a 23-year-old donor who provided a 750-gram portion of his liver to his 42-year-old uncle, with both individuals reported to be in stable condition post-operation.
The operation commenced early on Wednesday and continued till the evening. It was broadcast live from the Dow University operation theatre to the seminar hall and streamed via the university's official website and social media platforms, offering an educational opportunity for a large gathering of medical students and trainees.
The procedure was supervised by renowned international surgeons, including Professor John LaMattina who has previously visited Pakistan; and Professor John Fung, who visited the country for the first time. Both are affiliated with the University of Chicago's Pritzker School of Medicine. The professors provided valuable insights to Dow's liver transplant team, headed by Dr Jehanzaib Haider, on cutting-edge surgical techniques and global trends in liver transplantation.
Vice Chancellor of Dow University, Professor Muhammad Saeed Quraishy, congratulated the team on the successful transplant and expressed his appreciation to the visiting international experts. Pro-Vice Chancellor, Professor Dr Jehan Ara Hassan, who was present during the live session, shared details about the patient's background. The recipient, a 42-year-old resident of Shahdadkot, had suffered liver failure due to long-term hepatitis B and D infections. His 23-year-old nephew volunteered to donate 750 grams of his liver, facilitating the successful transplant.
Professor Hassan noted that with the support of the Sindh government, Dow University has now completed 190 liver transplants, all provided at no cost to the patients. She also highlighted that Pakistani society's approach to organ donation is often shaped by religious and cultural beliefs. In response, Dow University is developing a proposal for an organ donation bank to help improve accessibility and awareness.
She further announced that Dow University of Health Sciences is hosting Pakistan's first International Conference on Transplantation later this week.
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