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What began as two separate medical crises turned into a deeply human story of chance, courage, and shared hope — thanks to an extraordinary coincidence in cross-matching for liver transplants.

Both patients — Nepal Singh Rajput, 41, from Madhya Pradesh and Vinod Babaso Chavan, 43, from Karad village of Satara district in Maharashtra — suffered from advanced liver disease and needed a liver transplant. While both of their wives were willing to donate, neither donor was compatible with their intended recipient.

Nepal Singh Rajput received a transplant from Ashwini Chavan

While the transplants were a team effort of over 50 medical experts, including doctors and support staff, it was Dr Amey Sonavane’s presence of mind that helped both families. “Dr Sonavane has his once-a-month consultation in Sangli, where we would take my husband. He informed us that there is one female living donor who is a match for my husband. But he also informed me that I was a match for her husband, who was also in need of a liver transplant,” said Ashwini Chavan, wife of Vinod.

The second case involved a couple in which the husband was the liver donor. He discovered he had heart blockages and was treated in time due to tests carried out prior to the transplant.

Vinod Chavan received a transplant from Varsha Rajput

Case 1

The challenges
“Such transplants are very high-stakes ones; if something goes wrong with one of the four, the process is jeopardised,” said Dr Amey Sonavane, lead consultant, hepatologist, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai.

“Organising manpower was a challenge. Experts from our other branches chipped in,” said Dr Guruprasad Shetty, lead consultant, department head (HPB) and liver transplantation, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai.

Patients speak

Vinod Babaso Chavan
‘I was diagnosed with fatty liver, which eventually turned into liver cirrhosis. My wife or family members weren’t a match, so we registered on the transplant list and were waiting for a cadaver donor.’
 
Ashwini Chavan
‘My husband had been hesitant about a transplant. But his condition worsened, and we were requested to visit Apollo Hospital and meet the Rajput couple; and then there was no turning back.’
 
Varsha Rajput
‘I was happy that I might be able to save my husband’s life. Now I am happy that Ashwini and I have not only saved two lives but also saved two families from facing one of the biggest traumas of their lives.”

Case 2

Dr Geeta Billa

The challenges
Pramila Yadav, 47, had been suffering from fatty liver since 2015. “Transplant was the only option. Her husband decided to be the donor. The vein to Pramila’s liver was blocked, so she was put on blood thinners. Also, we could take her nutrition level up to only a certain level post-operation because of which she experienced water accumulation,” said Dr Geeta Billa, director of gastroenterology and hepatology at Dr LH Hiranandani Hospital.

Dr Rao

“The transplant had to be postponed till her husband was cleared. Angioplasty was done around April last year, and the transplant in September. Seven months post-op, both are back to their routines,” said Dr Prashantha Srikantha Rao, director, HPB surgery and liver transplant, Dr LH Hiranandani Hospital.

Patient speaks

Bishnu Yadav
‘When doctors conducted tests, they found that I had 90 per cent blockages in my heart. I had undergone a full body checkup two months before, and the reports were normal. More than I saving my wife’s life, it feels like she has saved mine!’