The procedure, which builds on minimally invasive techniques, involved using a robotic system to remove the diseased lungs, prepare the site, and implant the donor lungs, resulting in less trauma, faster recovery, and reduced post-operative pain compared to traditional methods.
Mehrkar, who spent years waiting for a transplant, recalled the moment she realized her condition had worsened and how quickly she received the life-changing call. “Five days later, I got the call. They said they have a 98% match,” she recalled.
Dr. Stephanie H. Chang, the surgical director of the hospital’s Lung Transplantation Program, explained that the robotic technique minimises incision size and trauma, leading to better healing and less pain for patients.
Reflecting on her unique experience, Mehrkar expressed her amazement at being the first in the world to undergo the procedure. “There are 8 billion people, and I was the first to have that done,” she said. She also shared her gratitude for her organ donor, acknowledging the profound impact the gift of life had on her.
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