AIIMS Bhubaneswar successfully facilitated multiorgan transplantation from Odisha’s youngest organ donor, 16-month-old Master Janmesh Lenka. His selfless donation gave new life to two critically ill patients, marking a significant step in raising awareness about pediatric organ donation in India.
Janmesh was admitted to the Pediatric Department of AIIMS Bhubaneswar on February 12, 2025, under the care of Dr. Krishna Mohan Gulla, after suffering from foreign body aspiration and choking. Despite immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and intensive medical efforts over the next two weeks, he was declared brain dead on March 1, 2025.
Recognising the potential to save lives, the medical team at AIIMS Bhubaneswar counseled Janmesh’s grieving parents about organ donation. Demonstrating immense strength and compassion, they consented to donate their child’s organs, transforming their personal tragedy into a life-saving gesture.
Following their decision, a multidisciplinary team of surgeons and transplant coordinators swiftly facilitated the retrieval and transplantation process.
Liver Transplantation: The liver was successfully retrieved by the gastro-surgery team led by Dr. Brahmadutt Patnaik and transported to the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) in New Delhi. There, it was transplanted into a child suffering from end-stage liver failure.
Kidney Transplantation: The kidneys were retrieved and transplanted en-bloc into a single adolescent patient at AIIMS Bhubaneswar. This complex procedure, involving the transplantation of both kidneys together, was successfully performed under the leadership of Dr. Prasant Nayak from the Urology Department.
This case holds historical significance, as Janmesh became the youngest organ donor in Odisha. It also marked only the second instance of en-bloc kidney transplantation in the state, a highly specialized surgical technique.
AIIMS Bhubaneswar Executive Director, Prof Dr Ashutosh Biswas, praised the transplant coordination team and medical professionals for their relentless efforts in ensuring the success of the procedure. He extended heartfelt gratitude to Janmesh’s parents, acknowledging their extraordinary generosity during an incredibly difficult time.
It may be noted that Master Janmesh’s father serves as a hostel warden at AIIMS Bhubaneswar. Even in the face of profound loss, his parents’ selfless decision has illuminated a path of hope, awareness, and life-saving potential, leaving an indelible impact on both the medical community and society at large.
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