NIMS Achieves Historic First: South India’s First Public Hospital Robotic Kidney Transplant
Hyderabad, March 25, 2025
In a major breakthrough for public healthcare, urologists at Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) have successfully performed their first-ever robotic kidney transplant, making it the first such procedure in a government hospital in South India. This milestone places NIMS among an elite group of hospitals in India utilizing robotic-assisted surgery for renal transplantation.
A Life-Saving Procedure
The recipient, a 33-year-old man from Nalgonda, Telangana, had been battling end-stage renal disease for nearly a decade. He had previously undergone a live-related kidney transplant in 2017, but chronic rejection led to the need for a second transplant. This time, he received a cadaveric kidney, making the surgery particularly complex due to prior surgical complications.
Despite the challenges, the robotic-assisted transplant was executed flawlessly, with the newly transplanted kidney functioning immediately, producing urine as soon as it was connected—an indication of a successful graft and a smooth recovery ahead.
NIMS’ Growing Legacy in Transplants
NIMS has a well-established high-volume renal transplant program. In just the first 2.5 months of 2025, the Department of Urology and Renal Transplantation has already performed 41 kidney transplants, bringing the institute’s total close to 2,000 transplants. This is in addition to approximately 11,000 urological surgeries performed annually.
With the introduction of robotic technology, the institute is set to enhance surgical precision, reduce recovery times, and improve patient outcomes, further cementing its reputation as a leader in medical excellence.
A Team Effort in Medical Innovation
The pioneering robotic kidney transplant was led by Professor Dr. Rahul Devraj, a renowned urologist and transplant surgeon. He was joined by Senior Professor & Head of the Department, Dr. Ram Reddy, and Assistant Professor Dr. Dheeraj SSS, along with a dedicated team of skilled urologists, including:
- Dr. Vidyasagar, Dr. Charan Kumar, Dr. Ramachandraiah, Dr. Raghuveer, Dr. Poovarasan, Dr. Suraj Kumar, Dr. Shahrukh, Dr. Anant, Dr. Abhishek, Dr. Anupama, Dr. Rakesh, Dr. Madhusudhan, Dr. Nishant, Dr. Srujan, Dr. Tagore, and Dr. Veda Prakash.
The anesthesia team, led by Dr. Nirmala, along with Dr. Indira, Dr. Kiran, Dr. Abhiruchi, Dr. Pavani, Dr. Nithesh, and Dr. Anusha, ensured the patient’s stability throughout the procedure.
The nephrology team—Dr. Gangadhar, Dr. Sree Bhushan Raju, and Dr. Swarnalatha—provided crucial pre- and post-operative care.
Nursing officers Vasantha,. Suneetha, Shainy, Sheebha, Mrs. Aruna, and Ganesh, along with OT staff Laxman, Sai, and their team, played an essential role in providing intraoperative support.
Cutting-Edge Technology in Public Healthcare
Robotic-assisted kidney transplantation is revolutionizing organ transplant surgeries by offering unmatched precision, smaller incisions, minimal postoperative pain, and faster recovery times. This landmark achievement at NIMS showcases its commitment to adopting advanced surgical techniques in public healthcare, making high-end medical treatment accessible to all.
Recognition and Support
NIMS Director Dr. Beerappa congratulated the urology team for their remarkable achievement, lauding their dedication and expertise in successfully executing this historic procedure.
Professor Dr. Rahul Devraj and his team expressed gratitude to Shri Damodar Raja Narasimha, Honourable Health Minister, Government of Telangana, and Dr. Beerappa, for their unwavering support in bringing the latest medical technology to NIMS.
Free Treatment Under Aarogyasri
The robotic kidney transplant was performed free of cost under the Telangana Aarogyasri Health Scheme, ensuring that even complex and high-tech procedures remain affordable for patients from all backgrounds. Additionally, the patient will receive free immunosuppressive drugs, crucial for long-term graft survival, further reducing the financial burden of post-transplant care.
A New Era in Public Healthcare
With this historic robotic kidney transplant, NIMS has reaffirmed its pioneering role in medical innovation, setting new benchmarks for government hospitals in South India. The institute’s urology team continues to push the boundaries of excellence, offering world-class treatment and transforming lives through cutting-edge medical advancements.
