Meet the Indian scientist who has 5 kidneys

In a truly extraordinary medical achievement, 47-year-old scientist Devendra Barlewar has successfully undergone his third kidney transplant, marking one of the rarest and most remarkable medical events ever.

This incredible feat has left Barlewar with five kidneys in total, though only one is currently functioning. The latest transplant was made possible by the generous donation of a farmer's family, who consented to multi-organ donation after the farmer was declared brain dead.

Barlewar has been battling chronic kidney disease (CKD) since 2010 and had been undergoing dialysis for an extended period. His first transplant, in 2011, came from his mother but only lasted for a year. A second transplant in 2012, from another relative, worked well until 2022, when Barlewar contracted COVID-19, which led to another round of dialysis.

With no living donor available this time, Barlewar registered for a deceased donor transplant in 2023. After a compatible donor was found, an intricate surgery was performed on January 9, led by Dr. Anil Sharma. The four-hour operation was a success, with the new kidney beginning to function immediately.

Barlewar’s long battle with CKD posed significant risks for organ rejection, due to his extensive treatment history and the varying outcomes of his previous transplants. Having four kidneys in place made it even more challenging to transplant the fifth, especially with an incisional hernia. Despite these obstacles, Barlewar was discharged after just ten days, with his new kidney fully recovered.

Weighing just 44 kg, Barlewar expressed immense gratitude for no longer needing dialysis. He recognized the rarity of kidney donors and felt fortunate to have found his third. After a three-month recovery period, Barlewar hopes to return to a normal life, deeply thankful for this rare medical breakthrough.