First-Ever Liver Transplant at NewEra Hospital: Wife Donates Part of Liver to Save Husband  

POSTED BY  : ANAGHA SAKPAL DATED ON 20/5/2026 ( 9004379946)

Mumbai :- ( RMN.COM ) A 43-year-old woman donated part of her liver to save her 48-year-old husband battling advanced cirrhosis with serious complications. As his condition worsened, a timely transplant became his lifeline, giving him a renewed chance at life

Navi Mumbai : In a powerful story of love and courage, a 43-year-old woman stepped forward to save her husband’s life by donating a part of her liver. Her 48-year-old husband had been battling decompensated chronic liver disease, with complications like jaundice, severe abdominal fluid buildup (ascites), early hepatic encephalopathy affecting brain function, along with a urinary tract infection, acute kidney injury, and a painful leg infection, conditions that were steadily weakening him. As his health rapidly declined, a liver transplant became his only hope.

In a first-of-its-kind procedure at NewEra Hospital, a dedicated multidisciplinary team of doctors led by Dr. Anurag Shrimal and Dr. Rohan Chaudhary from the G.I. Surgery team, along with Dr. Ameetkumar Mandot and Dr. Chetan Kalal from the Gastroenterology and Hepatology team, successfully performed a highly complex living donor liver transplant. The patient was admitted under the care of Dr. Manish Pendse, while critical ICU management was handled by Dr. Chandrashekhar Tulasigeri and Dr. Nishat Tavade. The ICU Liver Transplant team, including Dr. Aditi Jain and Dr. Vinod Yadav, played a crucial role in the patient’s intensive post-operative care. Supported by anaesthesiologists Dr. Anil Singh and Dr. Aditya Prabhudesai, Dr Vaishali Shende the team worked together* seamlessly to ensure the success of the procedure. What followed was not just a medical achievement, but a deeply emotional human story, where a wife chose to become her husband’s lifeline.

The transplant involved a highly coordinated effort comprising 18 doctors and surgeons, along with approximately 20 nursing and support staff members, highlighting the strength of a dedicated transplant program and robust hospital infrastructure.

Patient Mr. Mukesh Ramchandra Tandel (48), an auto-rickshaw driver and resident of Nerul, Navi Mumbai, had been battling chronic liver disease for more than two years. Over time, his condition progressed to decompensated chronic liver disease, a severe stage in which the liver gradually loses its ability to function properly. His health steadily deteriorated, leading to jaundice, massive fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites), and early hepatic encephalopathy, a condition that had started affecting his brain function. In addition to this, he developed multiple serious complications, including a urinary tract infection, acute kidney injury, and painful cellulitis in his left leg, making his condition extremely critical and life-threatening.

What once were simple, everyday activities like walking short distances, eating a proper meal, or even getting out of bed became overwhelming challenges for him. He struggled with constant weakness, discomfort from abdominal swelling, and a steady decline in his overall health.  He was suffering from severe liver damage, and his condition worsened day by day.  For him, a liver transplant was not just a treatment option; it was his only hope to survive and return to a normal life.  At this critical moment, his wife, Mrs. Janabai Tandel (43), made a courageous decision to donate a portion of her liver. Despite being healthy with no major medical issues, stepping into major surgery was not an easy choice. But for her, it was a decision driven by love and hope.

LDr. Anurag Shrimal, Director – Liver Transplant Surgery, said, “Mr. Tandel was diagnosed with decompensated chronic liver disease when his condition had already progressed significantly.  Liver function test showed raised liver parameters, and an ultrasound of the abdomen showed liver cirrhosis. He presented with jaundice, liver cirrhosis, massive ascites causing abdominal distention, and early hepatic encephalopathy, which had begun affecting his brain function. He even had multiple complications, including a urinary tract infection, acute kidney injury, and cellulitis in the left leg, all of which made his condition extremely critical. Managing such a patient is always challenging, as multiple organ systems are involved. His overall health was steadily deteriorating, and without timely intervention, the risk to his life was very high. In his case, a liver transplant was not just a treatment option, but the only definitive and life-saving solution.”

The patient’s condition required intensive optimization before considering transplantation. Over a period of nearly two months, the transplant team worked meticulously to stabilize him. During this phase, the patient underwent multiple procedures, including repeated ascitic fluid drainage (tapping) and intensive treatment for recurrent infections with targeted antibiotic therapy. The team closely monitored and managed his progressively worsening condition, including significant sarcopenia (muscle loss) associated with advanced liver disease. Following extensive discussions and counselling with the family, it was explained that liver transplantation was the only definitive treatment option and that delaying the surgery could lead to further deterioration. The donor was also found to have a complex liver vascular anatomy with dual portal veins instead of the usual single portal vein, along with a mildly fatty liver graft. Such anatomical variations increase the technical complexity of transplantation and require meticulous surgical planning and expertise. After detailed investigations and comprehensive medical fitness assessments for both donor and recipient, the team proceeded with the transplant on 15th April 2026.

Dr. Anurag Shrimal further added, “The transplant involved a 65% right lobe liver donation from the wife, which was carefully transplanted into her husband during a highly complex surgical procedure. The surgery was challenging due to advanced cirrhosis, portal hypertension, and significant fluid accumulation in the abdomen. The patient required multiple blood transfusions during and after the operation and was kept on a ventilator and inotropic support for one day post-surgery due to the critical nature of his condition. The demanding procedure lasted approximately 12–13 hours and was successfully completed under close multidisciplinary monitoring.”

Dr. Rohan Chaudhary, Associate Director – Liver Transplantation, said, “However, his recovery showed steady improvement. Within days, he was weaned off ventilator support, his liver graft function remained stable, and follow-up scans confirmed normal graft performance. Gradually, he resumed oral intake, mobility improved, and his overall condition stabilized. The donor, Mrs Tandel, recovered rapidly and was discharged within one week, while the recipient, Mr Tandel, was discharged in a stable condition on 24/04/2026, marking a successful outcome.

At one-month follow-up, both donor and recipient are doing remarkably well. Their recovery has been smooth, with stable blood reports and encouraging clinical progress. The recipient continues immunosuppressive medications and necessary precautions, with an improvement in quality of life and overall health status. He is expected to gradually resume normal day-to-day activities and return to work.

Dr. Rohan Chaudhary further added, “Living donor liver transplantation is one of the most demanding procedures, requiring precision, planning, and strong teamwork. In this case, the patient had advanced liver disease with multiple complications, making the surgery even more challenging. However, what truly stands out is the wife’s courage. Her decision to donate a part of her liver reflects immense strength and love. With proper evaluation and surgical care, both donor and recipient can recover well, and this case is a strong example of that. It is encouraging to see how well patient Mr Tandel responded to treatment. Early diagnosis, timely transplant, and strong family support played a key role in saving his life.”

“I had reached a point where I was losing hope. Every day felt like a battle, and I could see my health slipping away. But my wife stood by me like a pillar of strength. What she has done for me is something I can never repay. Today, I am alive because of her courage and love. Also, I am thankful to the team of doctors for their timely intervention. This is not just a second chance for me, but a new beginning for our family,” said the patient Mukesh Ramchandra Tandel.

‘When I saw my husband’s condition getting worse, I knew I had to do something. There was no second thought in my mind; if I could save him, I would. He is my life, and I simply did what any partner would do out of love. The journey was not easy, but seeing him recover and smile again makes everything worth it. For me, this was not a sacrifice; it was a responsibility and a blessing that I could give him a second chance at life,” *said the patient’s wife, Janabai Tandel.*

“This case is not just about a successful transplant; it is about the power of human connection. At a time when organ shortage remains a major challenge in India, stories like these highlight the importance of awareness around organ donation. One selfless decision can save a life, and in this case, it brought a family back together,” concluded Dr Mataprasad Gupta, Vice President & CEO .