Medical milestone in Croatia as first five-organ transplant performed

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For the first time in Croatia, doctors at Merkur Clinical Hospital (KB Merkur) have successfully performed a simultaneous transplant of five organs—stomach, small intestine, colon, liver, and pancreas—on a single patient. 

This complex procedure places the hospital among the world’s leading centres for multi-organ transplants, a rarity even globally.

The recipient, a 55-year-old man suffering from thrombophilia with a previously transplanted liver, now has a new lease on life. His condition required this extensive transplant to address continuous and severe internal bleeding.

A Team Effort

Professor Dr. Stipislav Jadrijević, head of the Department of Abdominal Surgery at Merkur, emphasized the meticulous coordination needed for the procedure. 

The surgical team had to work in perfect harmony, managing to complete the transplant in under six hours.

“This achievement is the result of a dedicated team effort, involving everyone from the drivers who transported the organs to the surgeons who performed the procedure,” Professor Jadrijević, told HRT.

Croatia’s Transplant Excellence

Croatia ranks among the top countries globally for the number of transplants performed per capita. This remarkable success highlights the expertise and dedication within the Croatian healthcare system.

Professor Dr. Mario Starešinić, Director of Merkur Hospital, noted that such operations are only performed in 11 centers across Europe, with only ten similar surgeries done annually across the continent. This achievement underscores the high level of skill and knowledge present at Merkur.

Continued Success and Recovery

The patient is currently recovering well, and his progress will be closely monitored in the coming weeks. Notably, a previous patient who underwent a similar multi-organ transplant two years ago is now in good health, providing hope for similar outcomes.

In addition to this landmark surgery, Merkur Hospital has performed seven other transplants in recent days, with all patients showing positive recovery signs.

The Importance of Organ Donation

None of these medical advancements would be possible without the generosity of organ donors. Safet Ćućuk, an ultramarathon runner and blood donor, highlights the ease and importance of becoming a donor. Signing a donor card is a simple yet profound decision that can save lives.

While signing a donor card expresses an individual’s intention, the final decision still respects the wishes of the family. Danijela Rac, President of the Commission for Explantation and Transplantation, explains that if the family does not consent, the organ donation does not proceed.

Back in 2022, a team at KB Merkur completed what was then the first ever three-organ transplant in Croatia.

KB Merkur team which performed the first ever transplant of three organs in Croatia (Photo credit: KB Merkur)

Croatia’s Leading Role in Organ Transplants

Croatia’s membership in the European Organ Exchange Organization has significantly reduced waiting times for organ transplants. For example, the wait time for a kidney transplant has dropped from around five years to less than two years, and sometimes even just days.

Different organs have varying viable transplant windows, with the heart requiring transplantation within four hours. Last year, Croatia performed 300 transplants, including 141 kidneys, 48 hearts, 12 lungs, 108 livers, and 5 pancreases, giving many patients a new chance at life.

In the past 25 years, Merkur Hospital has completed over 1,800 liver transplants, 700 kidney transplants, 220 pancreas transplants, and 4 intestinal transplants. The medical team emphasizes the critical role of donors, reminding everyone that anyone can become a donor and help save lives, HRT concluded.