Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital has achieved remarkable lung transplant success, completing six successful surgeries recently. Five patients have left the hospital and continue to recover well. To share these outcomes, the hospital held a press conference that included two transplant recipients. Among them was the hospital’s first lung transplant patient, a woman in her late 60s.
A cardiovascular surgeon at the hospital explained that lung transplantation offers the best treatment option for patients with severe lung diseases. However, the surgery involves many challenges. Surgeons must replace both lungs at the same time, adding complexity. During the transfer from donor to recipient, lung function often declines somewhat.
The surgeon shared the story of the first patient, who developed serious pulmonary fibrosis. This condition causes scar tissue to form in the lungs, making breathing difficult. She developed the disease after consuming a vegetable marketed as a weight-loss aid. Before the transplant, she experienced frequent shortness of breath and relied on a ventilator.
Another patient, a woman in her 40s, also benefited from the hospital’s lung transplant success. Doctors diagnosed her with lymphangioleiomyomatosis, a very rare lung disease. Her blood oxygen levels dropped below normal, so she depended on a ventilator before surgery.
The hospital’s deputy superintendent highlighted that this rare disease primarily affects women in their 20s and 30s. Taiwan has about 50 known cases. Patients often experience shortness of breath, lung collapse, and coughing up blood. Medical treatment and ventilators can only manage the disease, so transplantation remains critical.
Looking ahead, the hospital plans to improve surgical techniques and post-operative care by collaborating closely with teams at other Chang Gung hospitals. Additionally, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial aims to create a dedicated lung transplant center in southern Taiwan. This initiative will further promote lung transplant success and improve care for patients with severe lung conditions.
In summary, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital’s lung transplant success marks a significant advancement. The hospital continues to innovate and expand its capacity to help more patients breathe easier and live healthier lives.
