Bengaluru grandmother donates kidney to save five-year-old grandson

Bengaluru witnessed a rare and inspiring medical achievement after a 64-year-old grandmother donated her kidney to save her five-year-old grandson, making it one of the youngest recorded grandparent-to-child kidney transplants in the country.

Also read: Road accident victim saves eight lives through organ donation in Bengaluru

The child, Shreyas, part of a pair of identical twins, had been struggling with chronic kidney disease since infancy. His fragile health was further burdened by a non-functioning bladder, a history of urological surgeries, and seizures. As his condition worsened, doctors at Fortis Hospital turned to his grandmother, Meena, who stepped forward as a donor.

Organ donation and Transplant challenges

The transplant posed significant medical hurdles. A child’s smaller body creates challenges in accommodating an adult kidney, while the risk of organ rejection further complicates the procedure. In Shreyas’s case, the complexity was heightened by a neurogenic bladder, requiring simultaneous urinary reconstruction.

To address these challenges, the surgical team used advanced robotic technology, the Da Vinci Xi Robot, ensuring precision and reducing invasiveness. Prior to surgery, Shreyas underwent six weeks of peritoneal dialysis to enlarge his abdominal space, preparing him for the transplant.

Despite the risks, the operation was successful, marking a milestone in pediatric organ transplantation. Shreyas is now recovering steadily, supported by a carefully structured post-operative plan.

The case highlights both medical innovation and extraordinary family sacrifice. By donating her kidney, the grandmother not only saved her grandson’s life but also set an inspiring example of courage and unconditional love in the face of adversity.