ILBS Delhi Performs Kidney Transplant Without General Anesthesia, Medical Milestone Achieved

New Delhi, February 10, 2026: The Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS), Delhi, has achieved a remarkable medical milestone by performing a kidney transplant without putting the patient under general anesthesia. The procedure, conducted under epidural anesthesia, kept the patient awake while ensuring a safer and lower-risk surgery.

Patient Had Long-Standing Kidney Issues
The 42-year-old patient from Delhi had been suffering from kidney failure for several years and was on regular dialysis. The patient also had pre-existing conditions affecting the heart and other organs. Given the high risks associated with general anesthesia, the medical team decided to proceed with the transplant while keeping the patient awake. The donor kidney was provided by the patient’s mother.

Targeted Anesthesia Ensured Safety
Doctors numbed the patient’s abdomen below the navel for the surgery. The surgical team, including Dr. Abhiyuthan and Dr. Gaurav Sindhwani, reported that the procedure was successfully completed. This approach significantly reduces the time a patient spends in the ICU and hospital, making it especially suitable for elderly and high-risk patients.

Low-Risk Option for High-Risk Patients
According to ILBS doctors, this technique is particularly beneficial for patients with heart, lung, or other severe health conditions, where general anesthesia poses a higher risk. The transplant was successful, and the new kidney started functioning immediately. The procedure followed the ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) protocol, enabling the patient to be discharged within 3 to 5 days. Post-surgery, patients experience minimal pain for up to 48 hours and a more comfortable recovery.