Madras Medical Mission performs Landmark Surgeries to restore Mobility and Renal Health for 55-Year-Old Patient

Chennai, May 17, 2024: The Madras Medical Mission (MMM) has transformed the life of a 55-year-old patient suffering from peripheral vascular disease and deteriorating kidney health through a series of complex surgeries. In 2021, the patient, plagued by debilitating mobility challenges due to infra renal aorta obstruction, underwent bypass surgery led by Dr. Saravanan Sundararaj, Director Vascular & Transplantation, MMM. 

(L to R) Joseph Abraham Kandathil, Vice President, MMM; Dr.Saravanan Sundraraj, Director Vascular & Transplantation, MMM; Dr. Nivaditha, MMM

The procedure involved the  placement of an aorto bifemoral graft using PTFE (Teflon), effectively restoring blood circulation to the legs and alleviating excruciating pain and numbness. The success of this surgery enabled the patient to regain mobility and resume a near-normal lifestyle.

In 2024 however, the patient's kidney health began to decline. Despite the efforts of the neurologists, his kidney developed a protein leak and its functioning worsened. A biopsy revealed a non-responsive lesion, necessitating hemodialysis. This worsening situation had the MMM team decide to conduct a kidney transplantation.

Dr. Saravanan Sundararaj, who also led the kidney replacement surgery, said “The technical challenges of connecting the graft renal blood vessel to the previously inserted PTFE graft required meticulous skill and expertise. Minimizing the risk of infection in prosthetic procedures involves steering clear of complications like blood and fluid collection. Moreover, atherosclerosis poses a dual threat, potentially leading to both kidney failure and peripheral vascular disease. The decision to pursue renal transplantation subsequent to aortobifemoral reconstruction remains contentious, given the inherent risks of vascular dissection and infection. Furthermore, the timing of vascular anastomosis emerges as a pivotal factor, warranting careful consideration in surgical planning and execution.”

Following the kidney transplant surgery, nephrologists at MMM carefully managed the optimization of the kidney’s functioning, given the unique circumstances of the kidney graft connection to the aorto bifemoral synthetic graft. This remarkable surgical journey underscores the potential for successful renal transplantation in the face of complex medical conditions such as aortobifemoral reconstruction. 

Welcoming the media, Mr. Joseph Abraham Kandathil, Vice President, MMM, said that MMM had transformed itself from a cardiac specialty hospital to a multispecialty hospital where they have departments working on liver disease, gastroenterology, reproductive health, kidney diseases and organ transplantation. He said that MMM has never shied away from tough medical challenges, and this story is yet another example of one that their team overcame.

The patient has been discharged and will undergo regular follow-ups at the hospital’s outpatient department, ensuring ongoing care and support for his continued recovery. 

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