A marvel of medical science, Rela Hospital, Chromepet has successfully executed a successful and complex double lung transplant for a 44-year-old mother of two, Kavitha, saving her from a heart transplant as well.
The patient’s interstitial lung disease led to thickening of the lungs, restricting the normal expansion and contraction of the lungs, making it hard for Kavitha to breathe. Her heart was also under duress, putting her at risk of multiple-organ failure.
The patient was home bound and under constant care as she needed supplementary oxygen to breathe. She was referred to Rela Hospital six months ago and had lost significant elasticity in the lungs.
A Difficult Transplant Surgery Procedure
The 8-hour long double lung transplant was performed by a team of 30 doctors and specialists which included
Dr Srinath Vijayasekharan, Director & Senior Consultant – Heart and Lung Transplantation
The team also comprised cardiothoracic surgeons, anaesthetists, intensivists, lung specialists, perfusionists, and transplant co-ordinators.
Post Surgery: The New Lease of Life
The post-surgery care is as crucial as the transplant surgery itself. Even though her donated lungs were a perfect match, her lungs had shriveled, making the transplant a challenge. Despite Kavitha’s condition improving, the patient spent a few weeks in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
Mrs. Kavitha’s journey to wellness has been long and difficult. After weeks in the hospital, she was able to sit, stand, and walk on her own.
Today, the patient is back to her normal self and caring for her two daughters after months of lung surgery. Kavitha’s recent biopsy shows that her transplanted lungs are clear. However, the patient will be on immunosuppressants for the rest of her life.
A Plea for More Awareness about Organ Donation
“This is a wonderful result of the skill and precision of our doctors at Rela Hospital and an appeal for more people to donate their organs, which can give them a second lease of life,” said Dr. Mohamed Rela, Chairman of Rela Hospital. “Many patients and their family members are unaware that lung transplants can be a cure for end-stage lung disease.”
Kavitha’s story is an inspiring one for many, and her case is a testament to the skill, care, and delicacy that goes into such procedures.
