Families should consider organ donation a means of giving life to others: Dr Ballal

Sowmya Raju | NT

Bengaluru: In an exclusive interview with News Trail, Dr H. Sudarshan Ballal, a prominent Consultant in kidney transplantation and nephrology, and the Chairman of Manipal Hospital - Stempeutics Research Pvt Ltd in Bengaluru, shared insights on kidney health, transplantation, the state budget's impact on healthcare, and the pivotal role of technology in the industry.

Dr Ballal highlights the effectiveness of robotic-assisted surgeries that are leading to faster recovery and less noticeable scarring. Here are excerpts.

Q: What are the latest advancements in kidney transplantation techniques?

A kidney transplant is the most effective way to treat someone with kidney failure or kidney disease.

In terms of technological advancement, robotic-assisted surgeries are enhancing precision and are minimally invasive, leading to faster recovery.

Gone are the days when a 4-inch scar was common post a kidney transplant; now, it is a small scar that is hardly visible

Q: What are the biggest challenges facing the accessibility of kidney transplants in India, especially in Karnataka?

One significant challenge is the lack of awareness, as many people are not informed about this issue.

Kidney donors are typically family members of the recipient who are a match or individuals who are brain dead.

It is not easy to coordinate the consent of the donor, and the family is usually not in the emotional state to consider organ donation.

Q: How can we encourage more people to become kidney donors?

There are approximately 800 accidental deaths in Bengaluru every year, with atleast 50% of them resulting in individuals with brain death.

If 10% of these cases agree to donate their kidneys, we could potentially have 80 donors and 160 kidneys.

Despite challenges in the medical and governmental processes, families, even amid difficulty, should consider organ donation as a means of giving life to others.

In the case of living donors, typically close family members, it is crucial for the donor to understand that modern surgeries are minimally invasive.

After a few days of rest and minor lifestyle adjustments, donors can return to their regular lives.

Q: What are the longterm success rates of kidney transplants; what factors influence these rates?

Kidney transplants, especially in recent times, have achieved a success rate of about 95%, marking significant progress since the first transplant in the 1950s.

However, several factors, including the need for lifelong medication, post-transplant checkups, and major lifestyle changes, play crucial roles.

Unless there is a persistent diabetic issue or rejection due to a mismatch, the success rate remains favourable.

Q: How can we bridge the gap between the high demand for kidney transplants and the limited availability of donor organs?

To address the disparity between high demand for kidney transplants and limited organ availability, we must enhance public awareness, and streamline organ procurement processes, especially in rural areas.

These efforts can collectively alleviate the challenge and improve the accessibility of donor organs.

Q: What are your predictions for the future of kidney transplantation?

AI is transforming hospitals into smart healthcare systems by enhancing diagnostic accuracy, automating administrative processes, enabling telemedicine, predicting health risks, improving treatment precision, and advancing drug discovery.

Robotic-assisted surgeries have become a significant boon, making transplants minimally invasive and simplifying post-operation care.

Q: How can one stay healthy and avoid kidney-related diseases?

Prevention is better than cure. Embracing a healthy lifestyle is paramount for diabetes control and overall well-being.

Incorporating habits like reducing sugar and salt intake, adopting a low-carb diet, quitting smoking and alcohol, managing stress, maintaining an active lifestyle, and ensuring 6 to 8 hours of quality sleep is essential.

Q: Can you highlight the key aspects of the Karnataka budget to enhance critical care services post the COVID-19 pandemic?

The Karnataka budget for healthcare demonstrates a significant focus on improving infrastructure and services.

Notable allocations include the establishment of critical care blocks, the construction of Taluka-level hospitals, and the renovation of existing facilities across districts.

The budget addresse