In a groundbreaking 17-hour marathon surgery, doctors at Paras Hospital achieved a medical first by successfully combining a living donor liver transplant with a double heart valve repair—a feat rarely attempted anywhere in the world.
The complex operation was performed on March 26 on Anara M, a 55-year-old woman from Kyrgyzstan, who had long suffered from end-stage autoimmune liver disease and severe heart valve disorders affecting both the mitral and tricuspid valves.
Two Life-Threatening Conditions, One Life-Saving Solution
Anara arrived at Paras Hospital on February 25, after years of deteriorating health and repeated hospitalizations in her home country. A multidisciplinary team of hepatologists, cardiac surgeons, anesthesiologists, and transplant specialists quickly determined that neither the liver transplant nor the valve surgery could be delayed.
“In most cases, we perform such procedures separately due to high risk,” said the surgical team. “But in her case, doing them together was the only viable chance at survival.”
A Global Medical First
Combining two major organ procedures in one operation required meticulous coordination and world-class expertise. The doctors first addressed the diseased heart valves, ensuring her cardiac system could withstand the trauma of transplantation. Then, a living donor liver—provided by her relative—was transplanted, restoring her liver function.
This rare surgical integration is being hailed as a clinical first, showcasing India’s growing leadership in complex, high-stakes medical interventions.
A New Lease on Life
Anara has now recovered well and is expected to lead a normal life with regular follow-up care. Her case highlights the power of integrated, patient-centric treatment in modern medicine.
“This surgery is a testament to the power of teamwork, technology, and the indomitable human spirit,” said Paras Hospital’s senior transplant surgeon.
