First Cadaveric Bone Donation in Karnataka at Justice K S Hegde Hospital

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Dec 22, 2024: In a historic moment for Karnataka, Justice K S Hegde Hospital, the teaching hospital of K S Hegde Medical Academy under Nitte Deemed to be University, facilitated the state’s first-ever cadaveric bone donation.

The donor, Eshwara N, a 32-year-old resident of Jamboor village in Somwarpet, tragically lost his life today following severe head injuries sustained in a road traffic accident. Despite the best efforts of the hospital’s medical team, Eshwara was declared dead at 10:00 AM.

Eshwara N

In an extraordinary act of compassion, Eshwara’s sister, upon learning of his critical condition, voluntarily offered to donate his organs. After thorough counseling by Ms. Akshatha Shetty, Transplant Coordinator and the medical team, the family agreed to donate Eshwara’s bones for transplantation. Being a medico-legal case, the hospital secured the necessary permissions from the police and Eshwara’s next of kin before proceeding.

The bone extraction was carried out in the operating theatre under the guidance of Dr. Vikram Shetty, Professor and Head of the Department of Orthopaedics and Founding Medical Director of the Prof. M. Shantharam Shetty Tissue Bank. Dr. Shetty was supported by Dr. Varun Shetty, Medical Director of the Tissue Bank, Dr. Shridish Nambiar, and their dedicated team. The extracted bones were preserved for future use, while plastic substitutes were inserted in their place.

Dr. Varun Shetty highlighted the transformative impact of this donation, stating that the preserved bones could potentially save the limbs of six children suffering from cancer. These bones will be used in limb-saving surgeries, offering a new lease on life to young patients who might otherwise face amputation.

Medical Superintendent Dr. Sumalatha Shetty lauded the donor family’s courage and generosity, as well as the dedication of the medical team. She emphasized that donations to the Prof. M. Shantharam Shetty Tissue Bank not only save lives but significantly enhance the quality of life for recipients.

This pioneering initiative is expected to raise awareness about organ and tissue donation in Karnataka, inspiring others to support this noble cause.