Mumbai: A 30-year-old man has undergone a second living donor liver transplant at Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, nearly 19 years after his first procedure. His mother donated part of her liver for the transplant performed on July 5, 2026.
Jitin Shirke received a portion of his father’s liver in December 2007, aged 11, after being diagnosed with autoimmune cirrhosis. The hospital described the latest procedure as the first such repeat liver transplant in Western India.
Shirke’s liver function deteriorated in February 2026 due to chronic rejection of the transplanted organ. Despite medical treatment, his condition worsened. In late June, critically elevated ammonia levels affected his consciousness, requiring intensive care and urgent transplantation.
He was treated by Dr Aabha Nagral, Director of Gastroenterology, Chief Hepatologist and Liver Transplant Physician at Jaslok Hospital. After his mother was found suitable to donate, the transplant team proceeded with the surgery. According to the hospital, Shirke is recovering well and has returned to work.
Dr Nagral highlighted the importance of lifelong immunosuppressant medication, regular monitoring and timely intervention following transplantation. Dr Amit Rastogi, Consultant in Liver Transplant Surgery, noted the clinical and technical challenges of repeat transplantation, particularly in critically ill patients.
Dr S K Mathur, who performed Shirke’s first transplant, stressed the need to increase awareness of organ donation after brain-stem death to reduce reliance on living donors. He also emphasised the importance of experienced multidisciplinary teams in complex repeat procedures.
Shirke expressed gratitude to his medical team and family, including his fiancée, for supporting him through the difficult period.
The case highlights the importance of long-term transplant monitoring, timely medical intervention and continued advances in liver transplant care.
(The above image is AI-generated and is for illustrative purposes only)