In a landmark advancement in transplant medicine, MGM Healthcare has successfully performed the world’s first modified multi-visceral transplant (MMVT) to treat a rare, non-malignant intestinal disorder. This breakthrough surgery saved the life of a 32-year-old patient from Kerala, who had been battling severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including bloody diarrhea, persistent malnutrition, recurrent infections, and abdominal swelling.
A Complex Diagnosis: Diffuse Primary Intestinal Lymphangioma
Doctors diagnosed the patient with diffuse primary lymphangioma of the intestine, a rare and extensive benign disorder of the intestinal lymphatic system. The condition rendered conventional treatments like bowel resection unviable, due to the widespread involvement of the small and large intestines.
Critical Pre-Transplant Stabilisation
Before proceeding with the transplant, the medical team took urgent steps to stabilize the patient. To manage life-threatening gastrointestinal bleeding, they performed a subtotal enterectomy, removing a significant portion of the affected intestine. Simultaneously, they initiated total parenteral nutrition (TPN)—delivering nutrients intravenously to bypass the compromised digestive system and support the patient’s nutritional needs.
A Pioneering Surgical Approach
Led by Prof. Dr. Anil Vaidya, M.D., Chair and Director of the Institute of Multi-Visceral and Abdominal Organ Transplant, the surgical team replaced the stomach, pancreatico-duodenal complex (pancreas and upper small intestine), small intestine, and large intestine. They incorporated innovative modifications to enhance graft performance and minimize immunological risks, marking a groundbreaking step in surgical science.
The core transplant team included Dr. Senthil Muthuraman, Senior Consultant in Multi-Visceral and Abdominal Organ Transplant. Dr. Sivakumar Mahalingam, Senior Consultant in Surgical Oncology, and Dr. Venkatesh B.S, Consultant in the Multi-Visceral Transplant Program, were also part of the team. Dr. Dinesh Babu and Dr. Nivash Chandrasekaran led the anesthesia and intensive care efforts.
Post-Surgery Success and Recovery
As per the press release, two months post-surgery, the patient has shown no signs of graft rejection or major complications, a testament to the procedure’s success. Prof. Dr. Anil Vaidya emphasized, “Given the extensive disease burden, traditional surgery wasn’t an option. We needed a radical yet safe solution to restore his digestive function. I’m thrilled to see him recovering well, with the graft functioning optimally.”
A Breakthrough in Treating Rare Enteropathies
Dr. Senthil Muthuraman noted the extreme rarity of primary intestinal lymphangioma, stating, “The condition led to enteropathy, persistent bloody diarrhea, and severe protein loss. Despite multiple blood transfusions, his hemoglobin levels remained dangerously low. We had to act decisively—first with subtotal enterectomy and TPN, and then with the MMVT. His recovery, free of graft rejection and with restored nutrient absorption, is incredibly rewarding.”
A New Era in Transplant Medicine
This first-of-its-kind MMVT surgery marks a major milestone in global transplant history. It showcases India’s advanced medical capabilities. It also opens new possibilities for treating complex and otherwise untreatable gastrointestinal conditions.