Liver Transplant Saves 34-Year-Old Patient Following Donor Situation in Gabrovo

A 34-year-old patient was given a second chance at life after a successful liver transplant, made possible by a donor situation in Gabrovo, according to reports from the Ministry of Health and the “Medical Supervision” Executive Agency.

On April 6, 2026, a 74-year-old potential donor was identified at the “Tota Venkova” General Hospital in Gabrovo. The donor was transported to the “Dr. Stefan Cherkezov” Regional General Hospital in Veliko Tarnovo, where brain death was confirmed and subsequent conditioning was performed. The process was coordinated by the regional donation coordinator, Dr. Sibila Marinova, and her team.

The liver explantation was performed by Dr. Radoslav Kostadinov and a team from the Military Medical Academy in Sofia. To ensure the rapid transport of the organ, a flight was organized using a “Spartan” aircraft, with a crew consisting of Commander Captain Georgi Pashev, Co-commander Major Jasmina Hristova, and Flight Engineer Captain Mitko Gergov.

The transplant was performed at the Military Medical Academy by the team of Prof. Dr. Nikola Vladov, with the participation of Prof. Dr. Vasil Mihaylov and Prof. Dr. Ivelin Takorov.

The Ministry of Health and the “Medical Supervision” Executive Agency express their deep gratitude to the donor’s relatives for their decision during an exceptionally difficult time. “They have turned a personal loss into hope for another person,” the institutions stated.

Gratitude is also extended to all medical specialists, the aviation crew, and everyone involved in the process for their professionalism and excellent coordination, which made saving a human life possible.