Lung transplantation is a vital treatment option for patients with end-stage pulmonary failure. When existing medications and supportive therapies can no longer effectively control the condition, a lung transplant offers the possibility of prolonged survival and significantly improved quality of life.
The lung transplant team at Shuang Ho Hospital (SHH) is composed of a multidisciplinary group of specialists, including thoracic surgeons, pulmonologists, infectious disease physicians, anesthesiologists, rehabilitation specialists, and organ transplant coordinators. Together, they provide comprehensive care—from preoperative evaluation and surgical intervention to postoperative rehabilitation. The team has successfully completed several transplant cases to date, with indications ranging from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pulmonary fibrosis to rare conditions such as lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), all yielding positive outcomes.
In 2023, SHH completed its first lung transplant procedure for a woman in her 40s diagnosed with LAM. At the time of surgery, she was suffering from severe respiratory failure, requiring long-term oxygen therapy and unable to walk independently. Following a 13-hour surgery and intensive postoperative care, she overcame complications such as pulmonary bleeding and infection. Within a few months, she gradually regained her ability to breathe and walk unassisted, eventually weaning off oxygen support and wheelchair dependence.
By 2025, the patient and her care team celebrated the second anniversary of her transplant. She had returned to work and resumed a normal, active life—demonstrating the profound impact of lung transplantation in restoring health and dignity. Her successful journey not only marked a milestone for SHH but also brought renewed hope to many other patients in Taiwan waiting for a new lease on life.
Shuang Ho Hospital remains committed to advancing its lung transplantation program, enhancing the quality of care, and offering more patients the opportunity to reclaim their health and rebuild their lives.
