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Prajakta Dugam, a bank employee residing on Sinhagad Road, would go to work with an oxygen cylinder strapped to her; over nearly 11 years, her lungs and heart both progressively failed. LAM predominantly affects young women, and transplantation is often the only way out.
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Dr. Anurag Garg, Dr. Ashish Dolas, Dr. Ranjit Pawar, Dr. Prabhat Dutta, Dr. Vipul Sharma and Dr. Sandeep Junghare under the leadership of Dr. Sandeep Attawar in a marathon 8 hour surgery in which Prajakta's heart and lungs were totally replaced with the organs of a 27 year old brain-dead woman whose family nobly donated all her organs after death.
This is the first time this surgery has been performed in the region, and the first time in a medical college hospital.
Commenting on the success of the complicated surgery, Dr. P.D. Patil, Chancellor – Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune stated, "It gives me immense pleasure to declare this complicated surgery as successful. It is historic since we are the first in Pune. The simultaneous heart-lung transplant has established our institute as a leader in organ transplantation. At DPU, we are devoted to providing the finest possible treatment, with state-of-the-art facilities, and experienced doctors and staff, to all segments of society."
Dr. Sandeep Attawar, Program Director and Chair, Institute of Heart & Lung Transplantation, KIMS, Hyderabad says, "India is seeing a marked public awakening with respect to organ donations after brain death. Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan are the new growth engines of India's north and west. Public sector and medical college hospitals donate most.
The need of the hour is private public partnership and technology transfer in this field. A thrust in this direction has a multiplier effect as educational centres will be able to skill themselves and cost-effective transplantations that are affordable will become commonplace. India is waking up to brain-death organ donation".
Adds Dr. Anurag Garg, HOD Cardiac Surgery, Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research centre said "Establishing a transplant program is always a major challenge. The team had to create protocols, ensure availability of all consumables, train ourselves and be ready in all aspects before admitting Prajakta. The 8-hour surgery itself required the heart-lung machine, Intra-aortic balloon pump, Nitric oxide and Bi-PAP support. The team has worked non-stop in the post-operative period to ensure the success of Prajakta's treatment and rehabilitation."
Dr. M.S. Barthwal, HOD Respiratory Medicine, Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre Says, "Our primary task is to ensure Prajakta's airways and lungs remain clear and infection-free, during the critical post-operative period. Over the past three weeks, we have carried out seven bronchoscopies and monitored her 24X7, to ensure her full recovery".
Dr. Prachee Sathe, Director, Intensive care, Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre adds," The Intensive care team played the dual role of ensuring that the brain-dead donor's organs were kept in pristine condition before transplant, as well as keeping Prajakta physically and psychologically stable, till her discharge."
On her part, Prajakta Dugam thanked the efforts of the medical team at the hospital saying, "the most advanced care was provided to treat and aid my recovery. I feel much better now and the cumulative efforts of the hospital and the experienced team of doctors have given me a new lease of life."
Dr. Bhagyashree P. Patil, Pro-Chancellor, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune and Dr. Yashraj P. Patil, Treasurer & Trustee - Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, concluded by thanking all the staff and Doctors for the successful transplant.
