By successfully transporting two kidneys from brain-dead donors between the Royal Hospital and Sultan Qaboos University Hospital in the University Medical City, the National Organ Transplant Program has reached a major medical milestone.
MUSCATÂ : The first kidney transplant operation was carried out on October 22, followed by the second on November 5, 2024. Both operations were performed for patients suffering from chronic kidney failure who lacked living donors. The kidneys were successfully transferred, with the first transfer taking just 34 minutes and the second taking 27 minutes, highlighting the efficiency and precision of the involved medical teams.
Dr. Qassim bin Mohammed Al Jahdhami, Head of the Organ Donation Department at the National Organ Transplant Programme, emphasized the importance of time in such procedures. He explained that the organs can only be preserved for a limited period before transplantation, so speed and accuracy are critical to the success of the operation.
This year, the National Organ Transplant Programme has seen remarkable progress, with a record number of organ donations from brain-dead patients. A total of 10 kidneys and two livers have been successfully transplanted, marking the highest number of donations since the beginning of kidney transplant operations in Oman in 1988. The programme has also seen an increase in the number of people registering to donate organs, with over 16,000 people currently enrolled in the Ministry of Health’s ‘Shifa’ app.
Dr. Al Jahdhami expressed his gratitude to the families of the organ donors for their compassion and for giving the gift of life to others.
Dr. Zayana bint Talib Al Hadhrami, a kidney transplant consultant at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, lauded the collaboration between her hospital and the Royal Hospital. She noted that despite Muscat’s traffic conditions, the kidneys were transferred in record time, with the organs arriving in excellent condition. The patients who received the transplants are reported to be in good health, with their kidney functions restored.
There are currently over 2,000 people in Oman who suffer from kidney failure and rely on dialysis. In addition to kidney failure, many other patients with liver and heart conditions are in urgent need of organ transplants. Dr. Al Hadhrami urged citizens and residents to consider registering as organ donors to help save lives and provide hope for those in need.
Dr. Salah bin Mohammed Al Jabri, Consultant – Liver Surgery and Transplantation at the Royal Hospital, highlighted the technical challenges involved in organ transplantations. He explained that precise procedures are essential to prevent damage to the organs during transport, and that kidneys must ideally be transplanted within 12 hours to achieve the best results.
Nurse Huda bint Yahya Al Rahbi from the Surgical Operations Department at the Royal Hospital also underscored the critical role of nurses in preparing for organ transplants. She emphasized the importance of adhering to ethical and medical standards to ensure the success of each operation, from sterilizing the operating room to ensuring the proper storage and preservation of the organs.
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