16-hour-long liver surgery goes in vain

ALUVA:Despite the best efforts of the surgeons of Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS), Athira Balachandran, 24, a guest lecturer at Thrikkakara Model Engineering College, who underwent a 16-hour surgery for liver transplantation a few days ago, passed away on Monday morning. Athira , of Thuruthu near here, is a graduate in Computer Science from Matha Engineering College, Manakkapady, near Paravoor. She was appointed as a guest lecturer at the Model Engineering College recently.  She was admitted to Karothukuzhi hospital here when she was found unwell. Owing to liver ailment she was later shifted to AIMS, where a major surgery, costing Rs 25 lakh, was advised. The preliminary deposit of Rs 5 lakh was mobilised from the public in short notice.Athira Treatment Aid Committee, led by P M A Sheriff Haji and K P Asokan, was formed to mobilise adequate funds for her treatment. Her mother Girija offered to donate her liver for the transplantation.But, the prayers of her family, students, staff of Model Engineering College and the efforts of the surgeons of AIMS turned futile when she succumbed on Monday.Her body was kept at the Model Engineering College at 11 am for the students and staff to pay last tributes. Her body was brought to her residence in Thuruth at 12.30 pm.  P Rajeev MP, MLAs Anwar Sadath and S Sarma, former MP K Chandran Pillai, M O John and M V Govindan Master were among those who placed wreaths. Her body was cremated in Aluva SNDP Crematorium in the evening.