From Kenya to Hyderabad: a transplant, a sister’s gift, and a renewed life Kenyan woman overcomes end-stage kidney disease at AINU Hitec-city

Mrs. Fathumo Mohamud Dubow, a 55-year-old woman from Kenya, suffering from polycystic kidney disease and end-stage renal failure, has undergone a successful kidney transplant at the Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology (AINU), hospital sources said. The patient had exhausted available treatment options in Kenya and required an urgent kidney transplant. Accompanied by her young daughter and sister, she travelled to India in search of specialised renal care. Following detailed clinical evaluation and statutory clearances at AINU, doctors advised a living donor kidney transplant as the most appropriate treatment option.

Her sister volunteered to donate a kidney after compatibility testing and medical evaluation. The transplant surgery was performed in September 2025 in a single surgical session, during which the kidney was retrieved from the donor and transplanted into the recipient. The procedure lasted approximately four hours and was carried out by a multidisciplinary team comprising transplant surgeons, nephrologists, anaesthetists and critical care specialists from the Transplant Department of AINU Hitec City, Hyderabad.

Doctors explained that polycystic kidney disease is a genetic, familial condition in which multiple cysts develop in the kidneys over time. While many individuals with the disease may never progress to advanced kidney failure, regular screening and long-term follow-up are essential to detect complications early. In some patients, the disease can gradually progress to chronic kidney disease and eventually end-stage renal failure, requiring dialysis or transplantation. In this case, doctors noted that the patient was fortunate to have a medically suitable sibling donor, as access to a living related donor significantly improves transplant outcomes and long-term graft survival.

“This transplant required careful donor selection, detailed pre-operative evaluation, and close coordination between surgical, nephrology and critical care teams. Living donor kidney transplantation continues to offer superior outcomes for patients with end-stage renal disease. The patient’s recovery underscores the importance of timely referral, protocol-driven care, and consistent post-transplant monitoring for long-term graft success. Dr. K Kranthi Kumar, Sr. Consultant Nephrologist, AINU Hospitals, Hitec-city, Hyderabad, said.

Hospital sources said the patient was closely monitored in the KTP isolation room during the post-operative period. Despite initial challenges, she responded well to treatment and achieved stable graft function. Doctors said the patient required 10 days of in-hospital recovery before being deemed fit for discharge.

The patient was discharged from the Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology (AINU) in 10 days after the surgery and would continue follow-up care as advised. Doctors reiterated that living donor kidney transplantation remains the most effective treatment for end-stage renal disease, offering improved survival rates and better quality of life.

Mrs. Fathumo Mohamud Dubow, said, "Travelling from Kenya to India was a difficult decision for my family, but it gave me a chance to live again. The doctors explained every stage of treatment clearly and supported us throughout the process. My sister’s decision to donate her kidney saved my life. I am grateful for the care, compassion and medical support that helped me recover and return home with hope.”

This case also highlights India’s growing role as a global destination for ethical and advanced organ transplantation. With robust regulatory frameworks, highly trained transplant teams, and world-class infrastructure, India is increasingly providing life-saving transplant care to patients from across the world.

The transplant was carried out with the dedicated support of a multidisciplinary team comprising Dr. Mallikarjuna C, Dr. Deepak Ragoori, Dr. Md. Taif Bendigeri, Dr. Syed Md. Ghouse, and Dr. Deeksha Priya.

About Asian Institute of Nephrology & Urology:

Asian Institute of Nephrology & Urology (AINU), part of Asia Healthcare Holdings, is India’s leading super-speciality hospital network exclusively focused on Urology and Nephrology. With seven cutting-edge hospitals across four cities, AINU is at the forefront of delivering world-class kidney and urological care. Known for its clinical excellence, AINU offers advanced services including Urology Robotic Surgery, Uro-Oncology, Reconstructive Urology, Nephrology & Kidney Transplantation, Dialysis, Female Urology, Pediatric Urology, Men's Health & Andrology. A trailblazer in Robotic Urological Surgery in India, AINU has treated over 500,000 patients, performed more than 1400 robotic surgeries, and operates a 500+ bed network. Accredited by NABH and recognised for postgraduate training programs like DNB and FNB, AINU continues to redefine standards in specialised care and innovation.