75 Days Without Food or Water
For 75 days, 49-year-old Pravin Vispute from Nashik could neither eat food nor drink water. Doctors had removed his gangrene-infected small intestine, forcing him to rely on total parenteral nutrition (TPN)—a method where nutrients are delivered directly into the bloodstream through a vein.
First Normal Meal After a Groundbreaking Surgery
Last week, Vispute enjoyed his first normal meal after undergoing Mumbai’s first small bowel transplant of the year at Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, Juhu, on February 23. Since 2013, only around 30 small bowel transplants have been performed across India. However, Vispute’s surgery was unique—his wife, Jayshree, donated 150 cm of her intestine, making it a rare live donor transplant.
“Only three other intestinal transplant patients in Mumbai received a donation from a live donor,” said Dr. Gaurav Chaubal, transplant surgeon. Typically, these transplants are performed using intestines from cadaveric donors.
A Rare and Life-Threatening Condition
Vispute, who worked for a glass vial manufacturing company in Surat, experienced acute stomach pain on December 21, 2024. His sister, Kavita Sonar, recalled that doctors diagnosed gangrene in his small intestine, requiring immediate surgery to remove the affected portion.
After surgery, the family returned to Nashik before being referred to Dr. Chaubal for specialized treatment.
“The patient suffered from superior mesenteric artery thrombosis, a rare and life-threatening blockage of blood flow to the small bowel. The underlying cause was a congenital hypercoagulable state, often linked to deficiencies in natural anti-clotting factors, which can affect individuals at any age,” explained Dr. Chaubal.
Wife’s Life-Saving Donation and Costly Treatment
Since Jayshree was a perfect tissue match, doctors proceeded with the transplant immediately. The family spent over ₹25 lakh on multiple surgeries, relying on donations from well-wishers and friends.
Post-Surgery Care and Long-Term Outlook
As reported by TOI, Dr. Chaubal emphasized the importance of Pravin’s diet and fluid intake. He must monitor them carefully, especially during the first six months, to prevent infections. However, survival rates are promising:
“Ten-year survival rates stand at 80% for small bowel transplant recipients.”
Raising Awareness About Small Bowel Transplants
Despite the low awareness of small bowel transplants in India, Vispute’s case highlights a shift in medical referrals and patient awareness. “Doctors from another city referred this patient to me, proving that things are changing,” Dr. Chaubal noted.
With medical advancements and increased awareness, more patients could benefit from life-saving small bowel transplants in the future.