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Hong KongHealth & Environment

After six-month wait, life-saving double lung transplant gives Hong Kong woman a second chance

Doctors wait to see if woman’s body accepts or rejects the new organ

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Woman received life-saving double lung transplant at Queen Mary Hospital this week. Photo: May Tse
Emily Tsang

A 53-year-old woman with a rare lung condition received potentially life-saving surgery this week after waiting six months for an organ donation.

Phyllis Kum Siu-wan remained in a critical condition on Saturday after undergoing the 11-hour double lung transplant on Friday night at Queen Mary Hospital.

Her husband, surnamed Lo, expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the donor and their family, and the doctors who conducted the operation.

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Kum’s doctor said the coming two to four days were crucial, as they would determine whether the patient’s body has rejected or accepted the new organ. About 10 per cent of patients who receive a double lung transplant reject the organ.
Food and health minister Ko Wing-man says recent double lung transplant is encouraging news for those waiting for organ donation. Photo: Nora Tam
Food and health minister Ko Wing-man says recent double lung transplant is encouraging news for those waiting for organ donation. Photo: Nora Tam
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Kum was one of a number of recipients who received organs from a deceased donor at Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern hospital. The donor’s liver, kidneys and corneas were also donated to other recipients.

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