Pune Liver Donor’s Death Raises Concerns: Experts Reassure on Safety

A 42-year-old Pune woman died after donating part of her liver to her husband, who also did not survive. Doctors say such incidents are extremely rare and living liver donation is generally safe with proper evaluation and post-operative care.

Kamini Kaomkar, 42, of Hadapsar, donated part of her liver to husband Bapu Balkrishna Koamkar, 49, on August 15

Pune tragedy prompts questions, but doctors stress liver donation remains safe with proper care

The death of a 42-year-old woman in Pune after donating a portion of her liver to her husband has sparked widespread concern about the safety of living donor transplants. Medical experts, however, emphasize that such cases are extremely rare and that liver donation remains a safe procedure when carried out with thorough evaluation and post-operative care.

Kamini Koamkar, who donated part of her liver to her husband Bapu Balkrishna Koamkar on August 15, initially recovered well. However, she later developed hypotensive shock and multi-organ failure despite advanced medical intervention, according to Sahyadri Hospital authorities. Tragically, Bapu also did not survive the transplant as his body was unable to tolerate the procedure.

Health authorities have initiated a review into the incident, while transplant surgeons stress that living donor liver transplantation continues to be a life-saving option. They underline that with proper screening, surgical precision, and careful post-operative management, the risks for donors remain minimal.

Doctors also urge that public awareness should focus on the fact that donor mortality is extremely uncommon and that advancements in surgical methods and critical care have made living liver donations largely safe.