Mangaluru: Yenepoya Medical College Hospital has successfully performed the first-ever Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD) procedure on a child in Dakshina Kannada district, marking a major breakthrough in paediatric kidney care. The milestone was achieved while treating a three-year-old boy suffering from severe acute renal failure, a case that tested the hospital’s clinical expertise and technological capability.
Life-threatening condition
The child was admitted in April in a critical state of anuria, with no urine output for ten days, and presented with altered sensorium, respiratory distress, anaemia, and metabolic acidosis. The severity of the condition required urgent intervention to prevent organ failure and save the child’s life.
A multidisciplinary team led by Dr Santhosh Pai, Head of Nephrology, and supported by nephrologists Dr Adithya Mishra, Dr Haissam, and Dr Preema, worked in tandem with the Paediatrics Department, headed by Dr Sahana K. S., and paediatricians Dr Shyam Sudhir, Dr Mithun H. K., and Dr Asha.
Peritoneal dialysis initiated
The team opted for peritoneal dialysis, a gentler alternative for children, which was performed after the successful insertion of a dialysis catheter by paediatric surgeon Dr Suhith. The child underwent 12 days of dialysis, during which he remained anuric and experienced frequent electrolyte imbalances. Despite the challenges, his renal function gradually improved.
CAPD—A district first
With continued low urine output and a persistent need for dialysis, the team moved forward with CAPD, a long-term dialysis method where a soft Tenckhoff catheter is placed surgically into the abdominal cavity. This was a first-of-its-kind paediatric CAPD procedure in Dakshina Kannada.
Over the following two weeks, the child showed steady improvement, with rising urine output and stabilised renal parameters. By the end of a month, his condition had normalised, allowing the removal of the CAPD catheter. The child was discharged in good health, with normal kidney function restored.
Setting a precedent in paediatric nephrology
The child’s parents expressed their deep gratitude for the team’s dedication and compassionate care. Dr Habib Rehaman A. A., Medical Superintendent of Yenepoya Medical College Hospital, congratulated the staff for expertly managing such a rare and complex paediatric case.
This achievement reflects the larger vision of Dr Yenepoya Abdulla Kunhi, Chancellor of Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), and Mr Mohammed Farhaad Yenepoya, Pro-Chancellor, to deliver affordable and advanced paediatric kidney care in the region.
With this historic medical feat, Yenepoya Hospital has firmly positioned itself as a leader in cutting-edge nephrological care for children, bridging the gap between high-end treatment and regional accessibility.