Dr. George P. Abraham, a distinguished urologist and kidney transplant surgeon, was found dead at his farmhouse in Nedumbassery near Aluva. The 75-year-old surgeon died by suicide, according to the police, who recovered a note from the scene.
A Pioneering Surgeon in Kerala
Dr. George, a senior renal transplant surgeon at Kochi’s VPS Lakeshore Hospital, made history by performing Kerala’s first cadaver transplant. Over his career, he conducted approximately 3,600 renal transplant surgeries – the highest in the state.
Struggles with Health and Career Challenges
Dr. George had been battling depression due to multiple health issues that affected his ability to work. He had undergone spine surgery six months ago, which may have contributed to his distress. In his suicide note, he expressed frustration over age-related difficulties impacting his work and a loss of job satisfaction.
A Legacy of Medical Excellence
With over thirty-two years of experience in renal transplant surgery, Dr. George made significant contributions to the field. He was the third surgeon in the world to perform a living donor laparoscopic renal transplant. He also pioneered several procedures in Kerala, including percutaneous nephrolithotomy—a minimally invasive surgery for kidney stone removal – and Lap Donor Nephrectomy 3D laparoscopy, a robotic-assisted technique for kidney donation.
Tributes from the Medical Community
His passing has deeply saddened the medical fraternity. Dr. Arun Kumar, consultant urologist and managing director of the Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology in Chennai, describing him as “one of the thorough gentlemen in the field of urology, a great teacher, surgeon, and pioneer in laparoscopic urology.”
As reported by newindianexpress.com, Kerala health minister Veena George had honoured
Dr. George for his contributions to the medical field. His legacy as a surgeon and mentor will continue to inspire the next generation of medical professionals.