Mrs. Fathumo Mohamud Dubow, a 55-year-old woman from Kenya diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease and end-stage renal failure, has successfully undergone a kidney transplant at the Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology (AINU), Hyderabad, hospital sources said.
After exhausting all available treatment options in Kenya, doctors advised her to seek an urgent kidney transplant. Consequently, accompanied by her young daughter and sister, she travelled to India in search of specialised renal care.
Comprehensive Evaluation and Treatment Planning
Following a detailed clinical evaluation and completion of all statutory clearances at AINU, doctors recommended a living donor kidney transplant as the most appropriate treatment option. Subsequently, her sister volunteered to donate a kidney after compatibility testing and thorough medical assessment confirmed her suitability as a donor.
Transplant Performed by Multidisciplinary Team
As per the press release, the transplant surgery was performed in September 2025 in a single surgical session. During the procedure, surgeons retrieved the kidney from the donor and transplanted it into the recipient. The surgery lasted approximately four hours and was carried out by a multidisciplinary team of transplant surgeons, nephrologists, anaesthetists, and critical care specialists from the Transplant Department at AINU, Hitec City.
Understanding Polycystic Kidney Disease
Doctors explained that polycystic kidney disease is a genetic and familial condition characterised by the gradual development of multiple cysts in the kidneys. While many individuals may never progress to advanced kidney failure, regular screening and long-term follow-up remain essential. However, in some cases, the disease progresses to chronic kidney disease and ultimately end-stage renal failure, necessitating dialysis or transplantation.
In this instance, doctors noted that the availability of a medically suitable sibling donor significantly improved the patient’s chances of a successful outcome and long-term graft survival.
Expert Insight on Living Donor Transplantation
“This transplant required careful donor selection, detailed pre-operative evaluation, and close coordination between surgical, nephrology, and critical care teams. Living donor kidney transplantation continues to offer superior outcomes for patients with end-stage renal disease. The patient’s recovery underscores the importance of timely referral, protocol-driven care, and consistent post-transplant monitoring for long-term graft success,” said Dr. K. Kranthi Kumar, Senior Consultant Nephrologist, AINU Hospitals, Hitec City, Hyderabad.
Post-Operative Recovery and Discharge
Following the surgery, doctors closely monitored the patient in the KTP isolation room. Although she faced initial post-operative challenges, she responded well to treatment and achieved stable graft function. As a result, doctors discharged her after 10 days of in-hospital recovery, with advice to continue regular follow-up care.
Doctors reiterated that living donor kidney transplantation remains the most effective treatment for end-stage renal disease, offering improved survival rates and a significantly better quality of life.
Patient Shares Her Journey
Reflecting on her experience, Mrs. Fathumo Mohamud Dubow said, “Travelling from Kenya to India was a difficult decision for my family, but it gave me a chance to live again. The doctors explained every stage of the treatment clearly and supported us throughout the process. My sister’s decision to donate her kidney saved my life. I am grateful for the care, compassion, and medical support that helped me recover and return home with hope.”
India Emerges as a Global Transplant Destination
This case highlights India’s growing role as a global hub for ethical and advanced organ transplantation. With strong regulatory frameworks, highly trained transplant teams, and world-class medical infrastructure, India continues to provide life-saving transplant care to patients from across the world.
The transplant was carried out with the dedicated support of a multidisciplinary team comprising Dr. Mallikarjuna C, Dr. Deepak Ragoori, Dr. Md. Taif Bendigeri, Dr. Syed Md. Ghouse, and Dr. Deeksha Priya.