KOTTAYAM: Subeesh's liver transplant surgery has created a new chapter in the history of surgery in government medical colleges. It was his wife Pravija who donated the liver to her beloved. Pavija gave her own liver to her husband as the whole world was celebrating Valentine's Day by giving each other presents.

Subeesh, a native of Kunnamkulam, Thrissur, underwent the first liver transplant in the history of government hospitals at Kottayam Medical College yesterday evening. The surgery, which began yesterday morning, lasted 18 hours.

Subeeh was diagnosed with liver disease six years ago. At first, he was treated at a private hospital in Ernakulam but was later shifted to Kottayam Medical College from last year as he could not afford the expenses. The couple has two children.

The surgery was made possible by the hard work of a team of doctors, nurses and paramedical technicians. Dr. Dominic Mathew, Dr. Jeevan Jose. Dr. Dr. Tulsi Kottai, Head, Department of Oncology and Surgery; TV Murali, General Surgeon Dr. Jose Stanley, Dr. Manoop, Head of Gastro Surgery Dr. Dr. RS Sindhu, Head, Anesthesia; Sheila Varghese, Dr. Sojan, Dr. Anil, Dr. Divya, Dr. Tito, Head Nurse Sumitha, Nurses Anu, Tintu, Gimol, Theater Technicians Shyam, Anu, Vidya, Chaitra, Sreekutty, Doctors Shabir Ali, Shiraz, Hashir, Manoj KS from KIMS Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram, Operation Theater Head Nurse Gokul, I. A team of CU senior nurse Lijo, technician Abhinand, transplant coordinators Jimmy George and Neetu, senior nurse Manu and technicians Sabu and Jayamohan were involved in the operation. The Medical College Superintendent, Dr. S.K. T.K. Jayakumar was also present.