By Ankeli Emmanuel (In Sokoto State)
Respite seems to have come the way of kidney patients in Nigeria and particularly, Northern Nigeria as the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, UDUTH, Sokoto takes medical expertise to a higher dimension by successfully conducting first ever kidney transplant.
The surgery, which was conducted by a team of dedicated highly skilled medical professionals lasted for hours according to eyewitness account.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a relative of the kidney donor said, they were actually frightened days before the surgery.
"Honestly, we were like, this is going to be a trial between life and dead. We engaged in series of prayers including farewell prayers too.
"'And our worries got more complex when they entered for the surgery. The length of time, no doubt, sent cold shivers down our spins even as we continue to pray relentlessly for God's intervention.
"But to God be the glory, our prayers was answered and the surgery was successful with both the donor and the kidney transfer beneficiary are responding very well"", the relative narrated.
A consultant sturgeon in UDUTH who simply gave his name as Dr. also spoke to our correspondent on the cherished medical milestone, saying though, he was not in the best position to talk on the development but that it was a huge success.
According to him, they are equally happy that the kidney transplant was conducted without any complication and both donor and recipient are not stable and perfectly responding to post-operation care.
Continuing, he called on those with kidney related issues from across Nigeria and neighbouring countries to take advantage of the expertise in UDUTH, Sokoto for cost effectiveness rather than spending millions of naira going to abroad for something that can be done with less ease in Nigeria.
Though efforts to speak with the Chief Medical Director, Dr Anas Sabir and the Public Reactions Officer of UDUTH, Mansur Wadata at the time of filing this report proved unsuccessful, however, staff of the institution were seen celebrating the feat when our correspondent visited the hospital. NNL.
