25-year-old Konaseema techie undergoes life-saving kidney transplant

Hyderabad: A 25-year-old software engineer from the Konaseema region has undergone a life-saving kidney transplant after developing early-onset Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), a condition increasingly being detected in younger adults with no known risk factors.

His case has drawn attention to the rising incidence of kidney failure in individuals under 30, often diagnosed only after symptoms become severe.

Early symptoms overlooked

The young man first began experiencing persistent headaches and repeated episodes of vomiting nearly two years ago.

Routine tests revealed dangerously high serum creatinine levels. Further evaluation confirmed Chronic Kidney Disease, despite the absence of any family history or lifestyle-related causes.

According to doctors, such cases represent a worrying trend. Autoimmune conditions, silent infections or undiagnosed underlying issues can sometimes trigger CKD in young individuals.

Without timely detection, kidney function can deteriorate rapidly.

Parents unable to donate

As his condition worsened, specialists advised that a kidney transplant was the only viable long-term solution. However, both parents, typically the first line of potential donors, were ruled out due to their own medical problems.

Dr Srikanth Gundlapalli, Senior Consultant Nephrologist and Transplant Physician, explained the complexity of the situation: “Such severe kidney problems at this age, especially in someone with no bad habits, are rare. In some cases, autoimmune issues can lead to chronic kidney disease. Despite prolonged treatment, it became clear that a kidney transplant was the only solution. However, his parents were not suitable donors. The mother suffered a stroke in the past and has hypertension, while the father underwent bypass surgery and has high blood pressure as well. Both were medically unfit to donate.”

Uncle steps in to save a life

With the patient’s health deteriorating and no immediate parental donor available, his paternal uncle stepped forward. The young man shared that he had grown up spending much of his childhood at his uncle’s home, strengthening their bond over the years.

“There is no history of kidney issues in my family. But due to my parents’ health conditions, they could not donate. I grew up spending a lot of time at my uncle’s house, he practically raised me. Seeing my condition, he immediately offered to donate his kidney. My aunt and cousins also supported the decision wholeheartedly,” he said.

After clearing all mandated medical evaluations and legal requirements, his uncle was approved as the donor.

Dr Gundlapalli noted, “People must understand that donors need not be only immediate blood relatives; close relatives like uncles and aunts can also donate if conditions are met. This awareness can help save many lives.”

The donor underwent a laparoscopic donor nephrectomy, which typically allows quicker recovery. Both donor and recipient have recovered well.