Bengaluru has joined the global vanguard in transplant innovation, with healthcare giant Fortis Hospital carrying out the first-ever robot-assisted kidney transplant from a deceased donor.

 

This signals a new era in India, where technology and clinical expertise converge to save lives.

 

The complex surgery was carried out on 68-year-old Kiran in the hospital's Bannerghatta Road facility, combining cutting-edge technology with rapid, precise clinical coordination. Kiran, who suffered from stage V chronic kidney disease and had been on hemodialysis, received the life-saving transplant at a critical moment. 

 

Robot-assisted kidney transplants are typically reserved for living donors due to the intricate preoperative planning and robotic setup required. Deceased donor transplants, on the other hand, are usually performed via conventional open surgery, given the urgent time constraints after brain-death declaration.

 

In this unprecedented case, the stars aligned: the hospital’s robotic operating theatre was already prepped for another surgery when a compatible donor kidney became available. 

 

Seizing the rare window, the surgical team, led by Dr Mohan Keshavamurthy, Principal Director of Urology, orchestrated the first-of-its-kind robot-assisted transplant in Bengaluru. The multidisciplinary team, including specialists in urology, nephrology, anesthesia, and intensive care, executed the high-stakes procedure with precision and speed.

 

"This surgery represents a rare convergence of preparedness, precision, and technology. Deceased donor kidney transplants are time-critical, and it is uncommon to attempt them robotically. However, since the robotic OT was already prepped, our team could capitalize on that readiness to perform transplantation robotically."

 

"This approach not only minimized surgical trauma and blood loss but also ensured faster recovery for the patient. It is a proud moment for Bengaluru’s medical fraternity and a testament to the surgical excellence at Fortis," he said.

 

Dr. Manjunath S, Senior Consultant – Nephrology & Transplant Physician, added, “In kidney transplantation, every minute counts once the donor organ is available. Performing a robotic transplant in a deceased donor scenario requires exceptional coordination and clinical confidence." 

 

"This success demonstrates how technology, teamwork, and timely decision-making can come together to push the frontiers of transplant medicine. Such advancements will pave the way for safer, more efficient, and patient-friendly transplants in the future.”

 

Dr Thejaswini Parthasarathy, Facility Director, Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru, said, “This milestone highlights the importance of preparedness and multidisciplinary teamwork. The ability to convert a time-sensitive deceased donor opportunity into a successful robotic transplant speaks volumes about our team’s coordination and clinical judgement."

 

"Above all, it translates into better outcomes and quicker recovery for patients, which is what matters most. We remain committed to advancing healthcare through innovation that directly benefits patients.”