New Delhi: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Saturday underwent a kidney transplant at AIIMS, with the organ being harvested from a living unrelated donor. The transplant surgery, which lasted for over five hours, was conducted by a dedicated team of 50 personnel.
The AIIMS said that operations on both the voluntary kidney donor and Ms Swaraj were smooth and uneventful. Both the patients have recovered from general anaesthesia and been shifted to Intensive Care Unit in the cardiothoracic Centre for close monitoring of their postoperative recovery.
“The surgery was successful and uneventful. She is admitted in the ICU and her condition is stable. Her condition is being closely monitored by a team of doctors. The donor voluntarily donated her kidney to the minister,” said AIIMS director M. C. Mishra.
Mr Mishra said that the surgery was carried out at the cardio-thoracic centre by a team of 50 personnel, including transplant surgeons, transplant anesthesiologists, nurses, technicians and other supporting staff.
AIIMS sources said the kidney for Ms Swaraj was donated by a woman who is in her 40s and not related to the union minister.
Pakistan high commissioner Abdul Basit tweeted, “We wish MEA Sushma Swaraj Sahiba speedy and full recovery.” West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee also wished Ms Swaraj a full recovery.
Living, unrelated donor could be anyone who is emotionally attached to the recipient, such as friend, a relative, a neighbour or an in-law.
As no suitable donor was available in the immediate family, the transplant was done with the kidney from a living unrelated donor.
"Wish a speedy and full recovery for @SushmaSwaraj Ji after her surgery at AIIMS," Ms Banerjee said in a tweet.
