The University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton has set a record. In just 56 hours, surgeons performed 18 transplants on 15 patients.
The complex and delicate operations were undertaken by a large team of health-care professionals at between May 9 and 11.
In all, there were two combination heart and double lung transplants, two double lung transplants, two heart transplants, three liver transplants, five kidney transplants and one combination kidney-pancreas transplant.
In two and a half days, the hospital completed as many transplants as it normally completes in a month.
"The thing that's amazing is the fact that we put all the teams together and actually handle that volume in such a short period," surgeon Dr. John Mullen said Wednesday.
It was all due to an unusual supply of donor organs that became available.
"This was an exceptional few days," said Karen Olivier of the Human Organ Procurement and Exchange program." I sincerely hope this celebratory day reminds people to sign their donor cards and discuss their wishes with their family.''
The patients who received the new organs hail from communities in British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan, and all continue to recover.
One of them is John Kaminsky. The 60-year-old was diagnosed with a potentially fatal lung condition called pulmonary fibrosis. To add to his failing health, shortly after his diagnosis, he had a heart attack. The Vancouver lawyer was told he needed a heart and double lung transplant. One month ago, he got a lifesaving phone call.
"It was incredible," he told reporters. "Just an overwhelming sensation of... basically be were brought to tears because finally I had something to look forward to."
His wife, Barbara Kaminsky, thought she only had a bit of time left with her husband. Now, she says he's looking better than ever.
"He looks almost like the man I married 35 years ago. And now we have a new chapter of our life to look forward to, a chapter we thought maybe we wouldn't have together."
Dr. Norm Kneteman, spokesman for the transplant program, credits teamwork and careful planning for what some are calling a record-breaking achievement.
"These days tested the skill and stamina of many, many people, both inside the operating rooms and beyond,'' Kneteman said.
"Our team rose to the biggest challenge in our history. Hundreds of people worked to make this possible. As a result, 15 people have a new lease on life.''
Kaminsky says a month after his transplant operation, he is feeling strong and can't wait to go home.
"I will take care of this gift -- my new lease on life,'' he said.
Source : www.ctv.ca
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