The State Institute of Nephro-Urology performed 10 kidney transplants in 17 days, the highest monthly number so far
To strengthen transplant services, the institute also launched a specialized transplant sub-department, which brings together experts dealing with transplant surgery, nephrology and post-operative care within the framework of a structured program. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
The State Institute of Nephro-Urology (INU) performed 10 cadaveric kidney transplants in the first 17 days of July, including three transplants within 24 hours, marking the highest monthly number of transplants and reflecting a surge in organ donation and transplant activity.
INU Director Shivalingaiah M. told The Hindu that traditionally the institute used to perform three to four kidney transplants a month, making the pace achieved this month a significant milestone.
“We usually perform three to four kidney transplants every month. This month alone, we completed 10 transplants in just 17 days, including three transplants in a single day. This was made possible by the increased availability of organs through the state’s cadaver organ donation program and the dedication of our transplant team,” he said.
Dr. Shivalingaiah said all the transplant surgeries were performed in addition to the institute’s normal urology workload, with many procedures stretching into the late night and early morning hours.
“This is a proud moment for our team. The commitment of our faculty, graduate students, nursing staff, anesthetists and support teams has been extraordinary. Their willingness to work through the night has allowed us to ensure that no donated organ goes unused,” he said.
Transplantation subspecialty
To strengthen transplant services, the institute also launched a specialized transplant sub-department, which brings together experts dealing with transplant surgery, nephrology and post-operative care within the framework of a structured program.
The director said that kidneys allocated through the State Organ and Tissue Transplantation Organization (SOTTO) – Jeevasarthakathe – which facilitates cadaveric organ donation, enabled ten patients to undergo transplantation in a short span of 17 days. Two of the transplants were successfully carried out on Friday and the other overnight, which lasted until July 18. Out of ten recipients, one is a 38-year-old patient. For every deceased donation recorded in any hospital in the state, the government institution will receive one kidney for patients enrolled there.
Three in 24 hours
Doctors said performing three kidney transplants in a single day is a rare achievement for a government hospital and reflects the close collaboration between urology, nephrology, anaesthesia, intensive care and nursing teams. “We also did three transplants in 24 hours in April this year,” he said.
The 160-bed super-specialized institute, along with a recently commissioned 148-bed annex, has been performing kidney transplants since 2009. So far, 415 kidney transplants have been performed at the institute. As of July 18, the institute has 815 patients waiting for a transplant.
While 45 kidney transplants were performed during 2025, the institute has already completed 35 transplants from January to July this year, which indicates a significant increase in transplant activity.
Apart from transplant services, the institute also runs dialysis facilities at KSR Dialysis Centre, Herohalli Dialysis Center and Charaka Super Specialty Hospital where eligible patients are dialyzed free of cost under various government health schemes.
Published – 18 Jul 2026 22:28 IST