Riyadh:King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH) in Riyadh has successfully conducted a whole-lung lavage procedure on a 10-year-old girl suffering from a rare lung disease. The intricate operation, completed in a single session of approximately nine hours, was performed to address the girl's critically low blood oxygen saturation levels, which had fallen to 79%, far below the normal range of 95% to 100%. The patient was discharged five days later in stable condition and without complications.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the young patient was diagnosed with pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP), a rare condition characterized by the accumulation of proteins and fats in the lung air sacs, which hinders efficient oxygen transfer to the bloodstream. Her advanced condition resulted in persistent shortness of breath, severe fatigue, difficulty walking, and weight loss, leaving her reliant on continuous supplemental oxygen.
The medical team employed a specialized tube to independently manage each lung, ensuring ventilation through one lung while the other was cleansed. The procedure involved flushing the first lung in stages with warm saline to clear the accumulated material, followed by the same process on the second lung, ensuring both lungs were adequately treated.
Post-procedure, the girl was monitored in the pediatric intensive care unit where her breathing progressively improved. Her need for supplemental oxygen decreased significantly from 4.5 liters to one liter per minute, leading to her stable discharge.
The successful completion of this procedure underscores KFSH's expertise in treating rare and complex pediatric lung conditions and performing intricate interventions. KFSH's capabilities in managing advanced medical cases have been recognized with its ranking as the top academic medical center in the Middle East and Africa, and 12th globally for 2026. Additionally, KFSH has been acknowledged as the most valuable healthcare brand in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East by Brand Finance, and featured in Newsweek's lists of the World's Best Hospitals, Smart Hospitals, and Specialized Hospitals for 2026.
