Patient Stories 04 Apr 2024 Back to Stories

Double Lung Transplant Saves Young Man’s Life

Expat expresses gratitude to the UAE after receiving a new lease of life following a complex double lung transplant

Thanks to a selfless donor, a UAE government initiative, and the expertise of transplant surgeons, Alex receives the double lung transplant needed to save his life.

Alex, a 37-year-old Filipino expat, developed a severe lung infection in September 2023, which left him unconscious. His lungs were failing, and he was put on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) – a bypass machine that does the work of the lungs when they no longer function.

After two months on ECMO, Alex was told there was no chance his lungs would ever recover, and his only hope was a double lung transplant.

Alex’s family and church rallied round and contacted Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. The hospital worked with the National Programme for Donation and Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissue (‘Hayat’), an initiative which ensures life-saving transplant surgeries such as Alex’s can take place, and he was approved for a transplant.

After a two-month period of optimization, Alex underwent the extremely complex, eight-hour surgery where both of his lungs were removed and replaced with healthy donor lungs. The complexity of replacing vital organs such as the lungs presents unique challenges, requiring technical skill, multidisciplinary teamwork, and transplant expertise.

Alex’s recovery was remarkable. Within hours of the complicated surgery, the ECMO machine was removed and within two weeks, he was walking and breathing unaided. Following a period of intense physical therapy and rehabilitation, Alex was discharged and back home.

Alex and his family feel his ‘rebirth’ is nothing but a miracle. They are grateful to their church for their support, the life-saving medical teams at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and they are extremely thankful to the donor’s family. They also extend a ‘big Shukran’ to the UAE government for making sure that people of all backgrounds and nationalities get the gift of life through organ transplant.

Share your Story

Are you a Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi patient with an inspiring story to share? We would love to hear from you.

CCAD
CCAD

Advancing Care for Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) Cancers

At Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, we offer the latest diagnostic tools and advanced treatment options...

Learn More
CCAD
CCAD

Happy with the care you received?

If you or a loved one have received care at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, please take a moment to...

Review Now
CCAD
CCAD

Where Hope Begins

Comprehensive Cancer Care, Close to Home

Learn More
CCAD
CCAD

Living with Epilepsy?

We Offer Specialized Care, Advanced Diagnostics and Treatment, and a Range of Support Services.

Learn More
CCAD
CCAD

Leading Heart Surgery, Close to Home

Our World-Renowned Heart Surgeons Offer Experience and Expertise for the Best Possible Outcomes.

Learn More
CCAD
CCAD

Dedicate a Day to Your Health

Invest in Your Future Wellbeing and Book Our Comprehensive Health Check-Up.

Learn More

We are here to make managing your healthcare easier. 

Request an Appointment 800 8 2223

Related Patient Stories

Young Woman’s Colon Cancer is Cured
Patient Stories

Young Woman’s Colon Cancer is Cured

Rare Brain Condition Finally Gets Diagnosed
Patient Stories

Rare Brain Condition Finally Gets Diagnosed

Life Saving Liver Transplant Offers Patient a New Perspective on Life
Patient Stories

Life Saving Liver Transplant Offers Patient a New Perspective on Life