- Jaslok Hospital team gave a new life
- 30-year-old Jitin's second liver transplant successful
- Historic achievement of doctors in Mumbai
Mumbai: Jaslok Hospital and Research Center has successfully performed a second liver transplant on 30-year-old Jitin Shirke, nearly 19 years after his first transplant in December 2007. Diagnosed with autoimmune cirrhosis as a child, Jitin underwent his first liver transplant at the age of 11. (Jaslok Hospital)
This operation was done by the then Senior Liver Transplant Surgeon in another hospital in Mumbai. S. K. Mathur successfully did, in which his father donated the left half of his liver. After returning to normal daily life while building a career, he faced another life-threatening liver problem in mid-February 2026, in which the body rejected a previously transplanted liver (refractory chronic rejection), necessitating a second transplant. The surgery took place on 5 July 2026, in which his mother donated the right half of her liver. Jitin's condition is now improving and he is back to work.
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In February 2026, a routine blood test revealed a sudden major deterioration in Jitin's liver function. Despite various tests and medical treatments, his condition continued to deteriorate. He is Dr. Gastroenterology, Chief Hepatologist and Liver Transplant Physician at Jaslok Hospital. A second opinion was obtained from Abha Nagral, who was part of the care team after his first transplant. After reviewing his medical history and considering treatment options, the team evaluated him for a second transplant.
At the end of June, Jitin's ammonia levels in his body increased severely and he was rushed to the intensive care unit (ICU) of the hospital due to fainting. As his liver function deteriorated drastically, the team accelerated the transplant process. His mother's liver was found suitable for transplant and the transplant was successfully performed on 5 July 2026.
Director of Gastroenterology, Chief Hepatologist and Liver Transplant Physician at Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai. Abha Nagral said, “Jitin's journey illustrates the complexities of long-term maintenance of a transplanted liver. Despite medical treatment, his condition deteriorated, necessitating a second transplant. His case shows that life-long medication, regular follow-up, and timely medical intervention are critical post-transplant.”
Liver transplantation is a complex procedure, requiring careful evaluation of the recipient and donor, detailed surgical planning, and intensive postoperative care. Jitin's case also highlights the importance of life-long post-transplant immunosuppressant medication, regular monitoring, and strict adherence to medical advice. The improvement in his condition was attributed to the coordinated efforts of Jaslok Hospital's transplant and surgical teams in collaboration with experts from hepatology, anaesthesia, critical care, nursing and other clinical services.
Consultant of Liver Transplant Surgery at Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai Dr. Amit Rastogi said, “A second liver transplant is technically and clinically very challenging, especially if the patient is critically ill. Jitin's successful transplant is the result of meticulous planning and close coordination between the transplant, surgical and critical-care teams. His mother's decision to donate a portion of her liver was instrumental in making the surgery possible.”
Dr. S. K. Mathur, President, ZTCC said, “Jitin's journey shows that organ transplants can be life-changing and life-saving. I did his first transplant at the age of 11, when his father came forward to donate his liver despite going through tough financial times.
In 2007, very few hospitals were performing living donor liver transplants. While availability of suitable living donors and timely transplant facilities are important, surgical expertise in liver retransplantation and experienced hepatologists and intensivists in such cases are crucial for successful transplantation. There is a need to create more awareness about organ donation after brain stem death to reduce dependence on living donors.”
CEO of Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai Shri. Jitendra Harian said, “Jitin's journey demonstrates the importance of clinical expertise, multidisciplinary collaboration and consistent patient care in complex medical cases. We are proud of all the teams that came together to help him. Also, we are deeply grateful to his parents for their extraordinary generosity and sacrifice.”
The first and second liver transplanted patients Mr. Jitin Shirke said, “I am deeply grateful to Dr. Abha Nagral, Dr. SK Mathur, Dr. Amit Rastogi and the entire team at Jaslok Hospital for taking care of me during these difficult times, guiding me and supporting me at every stage. I am deeply grateful to the transplant surgeons, critical care specialists, nurses and everyone else who worked tirelessly for my recovery.”
I will always be grateful to my parents who donated part of their liver to save my life and my future wife who was with me every moment. With the support of my family, I am now on the mend and back to work, I am truly happy and grateful.”
Jitin's experience highlights the importance of continued medical care after transplantation, the role of living organ donation and the need for patients to regularly take prescribed immunosuppressant drugs and attend regular follow-ups. His recovery marks another milestone in a medical journey that began nearly two decades ago.
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