Major Milestone Achieved: Successful Kidney Transplants Conducted at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH).
In a significant breakthrough, the highly intricate procedure of kidney transplantation has been successfully carried out at Ghana’s esteemed Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH). This momentous achievement marks the first time this delicate surgery has been performed at the premier medical institution in the country.
The kidney transplant surgeries were performed by a team of skilled Ghanaian specialist doctors, nurses, and anaesthetists on two male patients, one on July 4 and the other on July 5, 2023. To enhance confidence and expertise, the surgical team had the support of two foreign professionals, a theatre technician, and a transplant surgeon.
The female kidney donors who generously provided their organs are reported to be in good health and have already been discharged from the hospital. An encouraging sign was observed as the first patient started producing urine within 24 hours after the surgery, indicating a positive response and successful integration of the transplanted kidney, as shared by Professor James Edward Mensah, the Head of the Department of Surgery at KBTH.
To ensure ethical practices and legal compliance, an esteemed committee consisting of surgeons, attorneys, and specialists has been established. This committee’s primary objective is to develop comprehensive guidelines and regulations to safeguard the hospital from any legal complications while prioritizing the well-being of patients suffering from kidney-related ailments. Professor Mensah emphasized the committee’s commitment to providing thorough counseling, information, and support to kidney donors.
The costly surgeries, estimated at $21,000 each, were made possible through the sponsorship of First Sky Group, a Ghanaian-owned private company. This groundbreaking achievement by KBTH is set to significantly benefit patients, as many of them previously had to seek expensive treatment options in South Africa or India, costing upwards of $250,000.
According to Professor Mathew Kyei, a Urologist at KBTH, the hospital has evaluated its capacity and determined that it can perform a maximum of three surgeries per month. While six patients have been scheduled for surgery, only three will be accommodated in the following month. Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that approximately 1,000 individuals are currently undergoing dialysis across various hospitals in the country. The First Sky Group has commendably sponsored dialysis sessions for 250 patients at KBTH three times a week.
This significant milestone achieved by KBTH represents a significant leap forward in healthcare capabilities within Ghana. The hospital’s dedication to providing life-changing treatments locally not only saves patients from the burden of traveling abroad but also signifies a major advancement in the country’s medical landscape.
