A 47-year-old defense ministry scientist, Devendra Barlewar, recently underwent a third kidney transplant, making him one of the few people in the world to have five kidneys in his body—three of them donated. This rare and complex surgery was performed at Amrita Hospital in Faridabad, and today, he no longer requires dialysis.
A Challenging Journey with Chronic Kidney Disease
Barlewar has been battling chronic kidney disease (CKD) for years, requiring constant dialysis and multiple transplants. His journey began in 2010 with a kidney donated by his mother, but it lasted only a year. His second transplant in 2012 worked well until 2022 when Covid-19 complications forced him back into dialysis.
With no living donors available, he enlisted for a kidney from a deceased donor in 2023, hoping for another chance at life. His prayers were answered when the family of a brain-dead farmer agreed to donate multiple organs, including a kidney that matched Barlewar.
The Complexity of a Third Kidney Transplant
🔬 Why is a third kidney transplant rare?
✔ Finding a matching donor three times is extremely difficult.
✔ The body’s risk of rejecting a third transplant is very high.
✔ Doctors need to carefully place the new kidney, as previous transplants leave limited space.
✔ Blood vessels from earlier surgeries may already be used, making new vascular connections challenging.
A Life-Saving Surgery
The surgery was performed by a senior consultant and head of urology at Amrita Hospital, on January 9, 2024.
✔ It was a four-hour-long procedure, where doctors carefully placed the third donated kidney on the right side of the abdomen, between the existing four kidneys.
✔ The new kidney started functioning immediately, producing urine and eliminating the need for dialysis.
✔ Post-surgery, Barlewar was closely monitored for risks like organ rejection, infections, or bleeding.
✔ He was discharged just 10 days after surgery, with his kidney functioning normally.
A New Lease on Life
Now weighing 44 kg, Barlewar is grateful for this third chance at life. He acknowledges how difficult it is to find organ donors and feels incredibly lucky to receive another kidney when so many patients are still waiting.
After a three-month recovery period, he plans to resume his normal activities.
What This Case Teaches Us About Kidney Transplants
1️. The Importance of Organ Donation – Many people die waiting for kidneys, and deceased organ donation can save multiple lives.
2️. Medical Advances in Transplant Surgery – Surgeons can now perform multiple transplants successfully, even in challenging cases.
3️. Kidney Disease Awareness – Early detection and management of CKD can reduce the need for repeated transplants.
Final Thoughts
This remarkable case highlights the power of medical science and the generosity of organ donors. Barlewar’s story is an inspiration for kidney patients, showing that even after multiple setbacks, there is hope for a better life.
📢 Doctors & Patients – What Are Your Thoughts? Do you think more awareness is needed about organ donation? Share your views in the comments!
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