An organ retrieval procedure was successfully carried out at Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) in Madikeri in the early hours of Saturday, marking the first organ donation in Kodagu district.

In a procedure described as a significant milestone in the medical history of Kodagu district, the kidneys, heart valves and corneas were successfully retrieved from a 46-year-old accident victim after he was declared brainstem dead.

A statement here said that Dalu, a resident of Aravathoklu village near Gonikoppal, had sustained severe head injuries in an accident and was admitted to KIMS Hospital. Despite treatment and after 48 hours of observation, a medical board conducted an examination and confirmed the brainstem death of the patient.

“At this critical moment, Dalu’s wife Rajeshwari and other family members took a deeply humanitarian decision and consented to organ donation,” the statement said.

As KIMS, Madikeri had already received recognition from State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (SOTTO and National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO), the case was reported to SOTTO and the organ retrieval process was taken up.

The operation was conducted under the leadership of Dean and Director of KIMS Dr. Lokesh A.J., Hospital Superintendent Dr. Somashekhar, and District Surgeon Dr. Nanjundayya. ICU specialist Dr. Nisheed Joseph and Nursing Officer Pavan maintained the donor’s physiological stability.

“The surgery commenced at 2 a.m., during which both kidneys, heart valves, and corneas were successfully retrieved. Urosurgeons Dr. Sachin Dharwadkar and Dr. Vijaykumar, who arrived from Mysuru, carried out the kidney retrieval. Dr. Abhinandan and Dr. Chandrashekhar retrieved the heart valves, while Dr. Shruti and her team retrieved the corneas,” said the statement.

The transportation of the organs to the hospital for transplantation to the recipients was arranged by Deputy Commissioner S. J. Somashekar and Superintendent of Kodagu district police Bindu Rani R. N.

Later, Dalu’s mortal remains were handed over to the family through a ceremonial “Walk of Honour.” Doctors, hospital staff, and the nursing team paid tribute to the donor’s service to humanity, and the family was honoured for their noble decision. “At a time when the need for organs is rising rapidly in India, the decision taken by Dalu’s family has given new hope to many lives,” said Dr. Lokesh.

According to a statement here, India recorded around 18,900 organ transplant surgeries in 2024 - the highest-ever in the country’s history - giving India the third position in the world for highest number of organ transplants after the United States and China.

However, the number of deceased donors was only around 1,100. While more than 63,000 people in the country are waiting for kidney transplants, nearly 22,000 require liver transplants, the statement said.

Although India witnesses around 1.6 lakh road accident deaths every year, most organs are never donated. The primary reasons are that families have never discussed the subject and there remains limited awareness about “brain death”, the statement said while pointing out that “a single donor can save or transform the lives of up to eight people”.

Persons interested in organ donation can register online. “Organ donation registration can be completed within minutes using Aadhaar on the NOTTO website. Registration is also possible through Jeevasarthakathe (SOTTO-Karnataka),” the statement said while adding that information can also be obtained through NOTTO helpline: 1800-11-4770.