LAHORE:Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute and Research Centre (PKLI&RC) has achieved a unique landmark in transplantation medicine, demonstrating a novel clinical approach that expands organ use and advances the treatment of rare metabolic diseases.
In an unprecedented demonstration of surgical innovation and clinical excellence, PKLI&RC successfully performed 10 liver transplants within 24 hours, including seven Domino Liver Transplants and eight Auxiliary Partial Orthotopic Liver Transplants (APOLT). This innovative transplant strategy enabled nine children and one adult to receive life-saving liver transplants from only three donors, demonstrating how advanced surgical expertise can substantially expand the impact of scarce donor organs. All patients have been discharged from the hospital and reunited with their beloved families.
The landmark initiative was led by PKLI&RC Dean Prof Faisal Saud Dar alongside a highly specialised multidisciplinary team comprising transplant surgeons, hepatologists, pediatricians, anesthetists, intensivists, nurses, transplant coordinators and allied healthcare professionals.
The initiative successfully integrated two of the world's most sophisticated transplant techniques into a highly coordinated clinical programme: Domino Liver Transplantation – where a liver from a patient with a metabolic disorder can be safely transplanted into another carefully selected recipient.
APOLT – where a donor liver is implanted alongside the patient's native liver, enabling both organs to function together and correct life-threatening metabolic disorders. The scientific novelty of this initiative lies in the successful execution of a coordinated series of domino and auxiliary liver transplants for patients with rare inherited metabolic disorders, including, Familial Hypercholesterolemia, Crigler-Najjar Syndrome Type I, Primary Hyperoxaluria Type I and Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD).
Provincial Minister for Finance Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman has congratulated the entire PKLI&RC team for setting a new benchmark in liver transplantation and for bringing international recognition to Pakistan through excellence in healthcare.
Since its inception, the institute has successfully performed 1,175 liver transplants, 1,276 kidney transplants and 19 bone marrow transplants, serving patients from across Pakistan and beyond. This remarkable achievement was made possible by the dedication and expertise of around 120 PKLI professionals, including surgeons, physicians, anesthetists, nurses, transplant coordinators, and allied healthcare staff.
PKLI&RC Board of Governors Chairman Prof Saeed Akhtar emphasised that the hospital will continue to use its full capabilities to deliver world-class healthcare services. Besides, Dr Mubeen Ch, Medical Director; Dr Faisal Amir, Hospital Director; and Dr Usman Ujlah, Director Strategic Planning, PKLI&RC, were also present.
