In a milestone achievement, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune, successfully performed a bilateral lung transplant on a 30-year-old serving Indian Army officer from Jammu & Kashmir suffering from Pulmonary Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (PLCH), a rare and life-threatening interstitial lung disease. This is the first successful bilateral lung transplant in India on an active-duty Army soldier, showcasing the centre's advanced capabilities in transplant science and critical care.
The officer, who was referred from the Command Hospital’s Cardiothoracic Centre in Pune, was completely oxygen-dependent and bedridden. He was registered for transplant on March 20, 2025. On April 14, a complex 12-hour surgery was carried out. Remarkably, he was weaned off oxygen within a week and discharged just over two weeks later—walking independently and breathing unaided.
“This transplant reflects the strength of our healthcare ecosystem, where infrastructure, skilled clinicians, and a committed support team come together to achieve the extraordinary,” said Hon’ble Dr. P. D. Patil, Chancellor, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth. Dr. (Mrs.) Bhagyashree P. Patil, Pro-Chancellor, added, “Supporting a soldier’s recovery through such a complex procedure reflects our deep commitment to compassion, excellence, and service to the nation.”
Dr. Sandeep Attawar, Lead Transplant Surgeon, emphasized the complexity of treating PLCH and credited the successful outcome to precision, coordination, and trust. Dr. Rahul Kendre, Transplant Pulmonologist, highlighted the patient's resilience and the collective efforts of the care team. Dean Dr. Rekha Arcot noted the transplant as both a medical milestone and a tribute to the spirit of service and sacrifice.
The multidisciplinary team included intensivist Dr. Prashant Sakhwalkar and his ICU team; physician assistants and rehabilitation experts; and skilled operating theatre staff. Transplant coordination and regulatory compliance were managed by Mr. Arun Ashokan and Ms. Vasanthi.
The donor lungs were transported from Dombivli to Pune in under two hours via a green corridor, coordinated by Mr. Pramod Patil and Mr. Parthasarathy Shanmugam with support from ZTCC and traffic authorities.
Thanks to seamless teamwork, expert leadership, and medical excellence, the officer now begins a new chapter of life with renewed strength. DPU Pune continues its mission to raise awareness about organ donation and improve access to life-saving transplants.
To date, the hospital has completed over 460 transplants, including 32 bilateral lung, 4 heart-lung, 4 heart, and 1 heart-kidney transplants, cementing its leadership in advanced organ transplantation.