Mauritius Marks 1st-Ever Historic Kidney Transplant at Rose-Belle Hospital

The historic first-ever kidney transplant operation has been successfully completed in Mauritius, marking a breakthrough for the island nation’s healthcare system.

The pioneering surgery was performed on Thursday, May 14, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital in Rose-Belle, utilizing a newly established, specialized renal transplant unit.

Previously, Mauritian patients suffering from severe kidney diseases had no option but to travel overseas for such complex procedures, facing immense financial burdens and prolonged separation from their families.

The landmark operation was performed on 16-year-old Eva, who has suffered from nephrotic syndrome since childhood. The life-saving organ was donated by her 22-year-old brother, Adrien.

An international team of medical specialists led the operation in close collaboration with local Mauritian doctors.

The team was headed by Dr Sonal Asthana, a multi-organ transplant surgeon from Bengaluru, India, alongside South African-based specialists Dr Sanju Sobnach and Dr Bernd Strobele.

The surgical team utilized advanced laparoscopic, or minimally invasive, surgery to harvest the donor kidney from Adrien.

This modern technique requires only very small incisions, allowing for a significantly faster post-operative recovery time for the patient before the kidney was successfully transplanted into his sister.

Eva’s mother, Angèle Agathe, described facing years of hardship, balancing constant medical consultations, hospitalizations, and daily anxieties.

Despite the grueling demands of dialysis—a heavy treatment required to partially filter the blood when the kidneys fail—Eva courageously continued her schooling.

Nephrotic syndrome specifically damages the glomeruli, which are microscopic filters within the kidneys. When damaged, these filters allow vital proteins to leak into the urine, resulting in severe bodily swelling (oedema), profound fatigue, and a general weakening of the body.

While treatments work for some patients, a transplant is often the only sustainable solution for severe cases.

In the human body, the kidneys filter approximately 180 litres of blood daily to remove waste and excess water via urine.

Located in the lower back, they maintain the body’s balance of salt, potassium, and minerals, while also regulating blood pressure, producing red blood cells, and keeping bones strong through Vitamin D.

When they fail, toxic waste builds up, causing extreme fatigue, swelling, breathing difficulties, and major complications.

Government officials state this new medical capacity marks a turning point for Mauritius. Health Minister Anil Bachoo hailed the success as “exceptional progress” for the country.

The Indian High Commissioner to Mauritius, Anurag Srivastava, also highlighted the critical role of medical cooperation between India and Mauritius in achieving this milestone.

Following this success, local health authorities intend to expand the specialized unit’s services to include other complex procedures, specifically liver transplants.

Source: l’ Express