The doctors managed to remove the recipient’s antibodies in his lymphatic system that would otherwise have resisted a cross-blood type transplant without compromising his entire immunity system.

With Thailand – as well as other Asean countries – facing an increase of patients with kidney problems, the breakthrough was welcomed as doctors believe the lymph cleansing method can save the lives of up to 20 per cent of patients who otherwise would die of renal failure.

During a press conference yesterday at the hospital’s Bhumisirimangalanusorn Building, KCMH director Dr Suttipong Wacharasindhu said the hospital had long been known for its kidney transplant operations, hence the establishment of its “Excellence Centre for Organ Transplants”.

Dr Yingyos Avihingsanon, KCMH deputy rector for research and deputy chief of the Department of Medicine’s Renal Division, said a human body’s blood and lymphatic system contain antibodies that would attack and destroy a newly transplanted kidney. So, it was typically necessary to use a kidney from a donor with the same blood type as the recipient.

In this case, the cross-blood type kidney transplant technology – developed by experts at Norway’s University of Oslo – was applied involving the removal of antibodies associated with the rejection of a transplant that account for only 1 per cent of the body’s immune system.

“Normally, kidney patients would have to wait for donors with matching blood types. This method forgoes the blood type difference issue and will help save more patients suffering renal failure by 20 per cent or more,” he said.

As the hospital aims to perform 600 kidney transplants to commemorate HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s 60th birthday on April 2, the new method could enable doctors do more 120 cases for a total of 720 patients saved, Yingyos said.

Patients will pay about Bt500,000 for the procedure.