This is a first-of-its-kind achievement and crucial medical breakthrough in deceased donor transplants.
Published Nov 26, 2025 | 7:19 PM ⚊ Updated Nov 26, 2025 | 7:19 PM
Robot assisted deceased adult donor kidney transplant. (iStock)
Synopsis: In kidney transplantation, every minute counts once the donor organ is available. Performing a robotic transplant in a deceased donor scenario requires exceptional coordination and clinical confidence.
On Tuesday, 25 November, Fortis Hospitals, Bannerghatta Road claimed to be the first hospital in Karnataka to perform the “robot-assisted deceased adult donor kidney transplant”.
This is a first-of-its-kind achievement and crucial medical breakthrough in deceased donor transplants.
“This surgery represents a rare convergence of preparedness, precision, and technology,” said Dr Mohan Keshavamurthy, Principal Director of Urology, Uro-Oncology, Uro-Gynaecology, Andrology, Kidney Transplant and Robotic Surgery at Fortis Hospitals, who led the complex and time-sensitive surgery.
The recipient, a 68-year-old gentleman from Bengaluru, had a history of diabetes and hypertension, and had been suffering from stage five chronic kidney disease. He was on haemodialysis and was awaiting a suitable donor match.
Typically, robot-assisted kidney transplants are carried out only for living donors, as the procedure demands “detailed preoperative planning, specialized robotic setup, and calibrated instrumentation”.
On the other hand, deceased donor transplants are performed through the conventional open method, since the “surgery must be completed within a very short window after the donor is declared brain-dead, leaving no time for robotic preparation,” the Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road noted in a press release.
However, in this exceptional case, they added, clinical readiness aligned seamlessly with opportunity. The robotic operation theatre at Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road was already fully prepped for another robotic surgery when a suitable brain-dead donor kidney became available. Recognising the rare window, the surgical team acted swiftly and proceeded with a robot-assisted transplant, a “first-of-its-kind achievement in Bengaluru”.
“This success demonstrates how technology, teamwork, and timely decision-making can come together to push the frontiers of transplant medicine. Such advancements will pave the way for safer, more efficient, and patient-friendly transplants in the future,” added Dr. Manjunath S, Senior Consultant, Nephrology and Transplant Physician, Fortis Hospital.
In kidney transplantation, every minute counts once the donor organ is available. Performing a robotic transplant in a deceased donor scenario requires exceptional coordination and clinical confidence, he noted.
“This milestone highlights the importance of preparedness and multidisciplinary teamwork. The ability to convert a time-sensitive deceased donor opportunity into a successful robotic transplant speaks volumes about our team’s coordination and clinical judgement,” said Dr Thejaswini Parthasarathy, Facility Director, Fortis Hospital.
Above all, she added, it translates into better outcomes and quicker recovery for patients, which is what matters most. “We remain committed to advancing healthcare through innovation that directly benefits patients.”
(Edited by Sumavarsha)
