In a rare and inspiring turn of events, a successful kidney transplant at Trustwell Hospitals, Bengaluru, is reshaping perceptions around age and eligibility in organ donation. The story unfolds between two lives—one ended at 73, another renewed at 77.
Last week, the medical team at Trustwell performed a deceased donor renal transplant using a kidney from a 73-year-old donor—an age group typically considered marginal or “expanded criteria” in the transplantation community. What makes this case even more remarkable is the age of the recipient: 77 years old, living with multiple comorbidities, and yet a candidate for this life-saving procedure.
In India, organ donations from individuals over 70 are uncommon. The general hesitance stems from concerns around organ function, recovery challenges, and long-term outcomes. Often, such kidneys are discarded. However, in this instance, compassion met clinical courage—and the result has been extraordinary.
"This transplant represents more than just medical success—it’s a message of hope," said Dr. Arvind C, Senior Consultant Nephrologist at Trustwell Hospitals said. "We often underestimate the value of organs from older donors. But with rigorous screening and careful post-operative care, they can offer years of quality life to recipients, even in their twilight years."
The recipient, a 77-year-old man with multiple underlying health issues, was closely monitored in the post-operative phase. A week after surgery, he was discharged in stable condition, with his serum creatinine levels at an encouraging 1.26 mg/dL—clear evidence that the transplanted kidney is functioning well.
This landmark case demonstrates the untapped potential of extended criteria donors (ECD)—a category defined globally as donors aged >60 without significant comorbidities, or aged >50 with at least two conditions such as hypertension, cerebrovascular death, or raised serum creatinine.
While challenges remain in public awareness and clinical acceptance of ECD organs, Trustwell’s success story brings renewed focus to a demographic often overlooked in donation conversations. For the families involved, the story is personal; for the medical community, it’s precedent-setting.
“In the world of transplantation, age should not be a barrier if science and compassion walk hand in hand,” Dr. Arvind C added. “We hope this case encourages others to re-evaluate what's possible and give the gift of life—at any age.”
As India continues to bridge the gap in organ availability, stories like these remind us that second chances can come from the most unexpected places—and at any stage of life.
About Trustwell Hospitals
Trustwell Hospital is a Multi-super specialty 250 bedded hospital in the heart of the city of Bangalore. Trustwell Hospital is a unique venture where the people who actually understand the needs of a patient are also the ones running it. Trustwell is a place where clinical experts in their chosen fields who have been constantly delivering quality medical care over several decades have come together to put up the best possible hospital infrastructure and also bring with them industry best practices to run such a place.
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