Latest news with #PulmonaryLangerhansCellHistiocytosis
Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Infantry soldier set to rejoin unit after rare bilateral lung transplant in city
1 2 Pune: Infantry soldier Tariq Aziz (30) is set to return to active duty after undergoing a bilateral lung transplant — the first-ever by a serving soldier in the Indian Armed Forces. Doctors said Tariq was last year diagnosed with Pulmonary Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (PLCH), a rare interstitial lung disease with fewer than 300 documented cases in India, typically affecting young adult males. The disease causes immune cells, known as langerhans cells, to infiltrate the lungs. It leads to scarring, inflammation and respiratory failure. His symptoms began as a persistent cough and breathlessness during drills, initially mistaken for routine fatigue. As his condition worsened, advanced imaging and a lung biopsy confirmed the rare diagnosis, an uncommon outcome for a young, otherwise fit soldier. You Can Also Check: Pune AQI | Weather in Pune | Bank Holidays in Pune | Public Holidays in Pune | Gold Rates Today in Pune | Silver Rates Today in Pune Despite medical therapy, his lung function declined rapidly. He was placed under long-term care at the Army Institute of Cardio-Thoracic Sciences (AICTS), Pune, where he spent nearly seven months on oxygen support, battling complications like recurrent pneumothorax and severe hypoxemia. When medical options ran out, a bilateral lung transplant became the only hope. The procedure was successfully conducted on April 4 this year at DY Patil Hospital, by a multidisciplinary transplant team led by Dr Rahul Kendre, in close collaboration with AICTS. Post-surgery, Tariq returned to AICTS for rehabilitation and immunosuppressive management, where he has shown an outstanding recovery, said doctors. "My unit gave me a new lease on life," Tariq told TOI in his recovery room. "If I weren't a soldier, my family could never have afforded this treatment. Now I want to give back by rejoining my regiment." A native of Kandu village, Rajouri district, Jammu and Kashmir, Tariq joined the 6th Battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry Regiment in 2015 and has served in several operational areas. "Wearing the uniform was my childhood dream," he said, proud of his family's military legacy, with two uncles having served before him. Maj Gen PK Sharma, Commandant, AICTS, called Tariq's journey a milestone in military medicine and "a powerful example" for soldiers. "This is a classic example of collaboration between civilian counterparts and military healthcare systems in saving lives," Sharma told TOI. Col Manu Chopra, head of respiratory medicine at AICTS, said, "His recovery is a result of disciplined rehabilitation, pre-op care, and the fighting spirit he brings as a soldier." Now nearing discharge, Tariq is focused on resuming service. "I've never lost my sense of duty. I hope my story motivates other soldiers to fight through adversity," he said. An army doctor, choosing anonymity, said, "His journey is not just a medical triumph, but his determination and grit to serve his unit. It will certainly become an inspiring example for the soldiers in the regiment." Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
The Hindu
02-07-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Pune-based hospital performs bilateral lung transplant on Army soldier
A 30-year-old Indian Army soldier serving in Jammu & Kashmir, suffering from a rare, life-threatening lung condition, has been given a new lease of life after a successful bilateral lung transplant at the Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre in Pune district. This is the first successful bilateral lung transplant performed on a serving Army soldier, according to the hospital authorities. The soldier was diagnosed with Pulmonary Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (PLCH), a rare interstitial lung disease that leads to progressive respiratory failure. After his condition worsened, he was registered for a transplant at the Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre. The 12-hour-long surgery was performed on April 14. 'This transplant required clinical precision, coordination, and above all, trust. Seeing the patient recover so rapidly is a result of every unit working in perfect sync,' lead transplant surgeon Dr. Sandeep Attawar said, adding that PLCH is a rare and complex disease. The transfer of donor lungs was executed with military precision, hospital authorities said. With approvals from the Zonal Transplant Coordination Centre, a green corridor was established to bring the organs from Dombivli to Pune in under two hours. 'This transplant reflects the strength of our healthcare ecosystem, where advanced infrastructure, experienced clinicians, and a deeply committed support team come together to make the extraordinary possible,' Dr. P. D. Patil, Chancellor, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, said.
Fashion Value Chain
30-06-2025
- Health
- Fashion Value Chain
Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre Makes History with India's First Bilateral Lung Transplant on a Serving Army Soldier
A 30-year-old serving Indian Army officer from Jammu & Kashmir, suffering from a rare and life-threatening lung condition, has been given a new lease on life after a successful bilateral lung transplant at Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune. This landmark surgery marks the first successful bilateral lung transplant in India performed on a serving Army soldier, reinforcing DPU's reputation as a centre for critical care excellence and advanced transplant science. Bilateral lung transplant performed on a serving Army soldier at Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune The officer was diagnosed with Pulmonary Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (PLCH), a rare interstitial lung disease that led to progressive respiratory failure. As his condition worsened, he became completely oxygen-dependent and bed-bound. Following his referral from the Cardiothoracic Centre of Command Hospital, Pune, he was evaluated and registered for a transplant at Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune on 20th March 2025. On 14th April 2025, a complex 12-hour surgery was performed. The patient's recovery was remarkable – off oxygen within a week and discharged in just over two weeks, walking unaided and breathing freely. Hon'ble Dr. P. D. Patil, Chancellor, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pimpri, Pune, said, 'This transplant reflects the strength of our healthcare ecosystem where advanced infrastructure, experienced clinicians and a deeply committed support team come together to make the extraordinary possible. We are proud that Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, could support a serving soldier's journey to recovery with the highest standards of care. My heartfelt gratitude to every individual who played a role – from the transplant and rehabilitation teams to the coordinators, nursing staff and the authorities who made the green corridor possible.' Hon'ble Dr. (Mrs.) Bhagyashree P. Patil, Pro-Chancellor, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pimpri, Pune, added, 'Every life we touch through our hospital is a reflection of our commitment to healing with purpose. Supporting a soldier's recovery through such a complex procedure speaks to the values we hold close – compassion, excellence and service to the nation. To care for someone who has served the country is a privilege we hold with deep respect. Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre stands as a centre of advanced care, where clinical excellence is matched by empathy and national responsibility.' Dr. Sandeep Attawar,Lead Transplant Surgeon, DPU Super Specialty Hospital, Pimpri, Pune, said, 'PLCH is a rare and complex disease. This transplant required clinical precision, coordination and above all, trust. Seeing the patient recover so rapidly is a result of every unit working in perfect sync.' Dr. Rahul Kendre, Transplant Pulmonologist, DPU Super Specialty Hospital, Pimpri, Pune, added, 'It was an honour to care for someone who has served the country. His determination, supported by strong teamwork and timely care, made this outcome possible.' Dr. Rekha Arcot, Dean, Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, said, 'This life-saving lung transplant on a brave, serving officer of the Indian Army is more than just a medical milestone for us-it is a tribute to the spirit of service and sacrifice. We are deeply honoured to have played a role in giving a soldier a second chance at life. Our team's dedication is driven by a profound respect for those who serve our nation, and this successful transplant is a moment of pride, gratitude and hope for us all.' The Intensive Care Unit team, led by Dr. Prashant Sakhwalkar (Intensivist), ensured clinical stability and recovery, with support from Dr. Asir Tamboli, Dr. Swapnil, Dr. Sagar, Dr. Viren and Dr. Amey Sable. Physician Assistants Dr. Sangapriya, Dr. Pratiksha and Dr. Shifa provided daily clinical coordination between departments. Dr. Ranjith Joel and Dr. Ashok managed the patient's rehabilitation and physiotherapy, ensuring full functional recovery. The transplant was equally supported by an expert operations team. In the Operating Theatres, Sijo Rajan, Rijo Kuriakose, Rohini and Wamik facilitated organ retrieval and implantation across dual OT setups. Halimath, Vishal and Suneel managed organ perfusion and ECMO support, while Mr. Bagwat Patil, Bronchoscopic Technician, ensured smooth pre-operative diagnostics. The ICU nursing team – Ganesh Munde, Pooja, Preeti, Nayna, Vaishali, Sonali and Kavita played a central role from pre-operative care to discharge, providing vigilant, compassionate support. Transplant coordination including documentation, ZTCC compliance and clinical matching was expertly managed by Mr. Arun Ashokan and Ms. Vasanthi, who ensured timely execution of every step. Overseeing the full institutional framework and ensuring operational readiness was Dr. H. H. Chavan, Medical Superintendent, DPU Super Specialty Hospital, Pimpri, Pune. His guidance and oversight helped align medical, surgical and administrative teams with precision and purpose. The final and most time-sensitive part of this transplant – the transfer of donor lungs was executed with military precision. With approvals from the Zonal Transplant Coordination Centre (ZTCC), facilitated by Ms. Aarti, a green corridor was established for the organ to travel from Dombivli to Pune in under two hours. This mission was led by Mr. Pramod Patil, Administrative Head of DPU Super Specialty Hospital along with Mr. Parthasarathy Shanmugam, Administrative Head, Organ Transplantation and executed with the support of the Traffic Commissioners and the city traffic authorities across districts who ensured swift passage of the organ transport. Thanks to the exceptional teamwork, clinical expertise and visionary leadership at Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, a serving soldier of the Indian Army now breathes freely and looks ahead to life with renewed strength and dignity. The hospital remains steadfast in its mission to advance transplant science and raise nationwide awareness about the life-saving impact of organ donation. Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune has successfully performed over 460 transplants including 32 bilateral lung transplants, 4 combined heart and lung transplants, 4 standalone heart transplants, and 1 combined heart and kidney transplant – reaffirming its position as a leader in the field of organ transplantation. About Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital &Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune follows international benchmarks that are performance-driven as well as patient-centric, strongly backed by evidence-based medical expertise. We are NABH and NABL accredited and have been certified as a Green Hospital by the Association of Healthcare Providers India (AHPI). Additionally, we hold the 11th rank in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF). The university has been awarded A++ status by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and is an ISO 2015 certified organization (ISO 9001: 2015). Facebook: Dr D Y Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre Instagram:
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Serving Army soldier undergoes lung transplant after suffering from rare disease
Pune: A 30-year-old serving Indian Army soldier successfully underwent a bilateral lung transplant at a private hospital in the city after he was diagnosed with Pulmonary Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (PLCH) — a rare and progressive lung disease predominantly affecting young adult males. The disease causes immune cells, known as langerhans cells, to infiltrate the lungs. It leads to scarring, inflammation and respiratory failure. After undergoing the transplant, the soldier has completely recovered and is expected to get back to his posting in J&K in the next six months. The officer had been suffering from progressive breathlessness for over two years, and due to his worsening condition, he was referred by the cardiothoracic centre of Command Hospital, Pune, for a lung transplant. The patient was officially registered for a transplant on March 20, 2025. On April 14, the soldier underwent the transplant at DPU Super Specialty Hospital, Pimpri, after the organ was transported with the help of five teams of Maharashtra police via a green corridor. Theorgans were transported in under two hours from Dombivali while preserving their viability for transplant. The donor, a 28-year-old male from Dombivali, had lost his life in an accident. The surgery was carried out at the hospital by transplant surgeon Dr Sandeep Attawar and his team. Dr Rahul Kendre managed the post-operative care as the lung transplant physician. "The transplant surgery performed in mid-April lasted 12 hours and was executed successfully. The officer showed remarkable recovery and was off oxygen support within a week. In two weeks, he was discharged from the hospital and was fully independent of any physical was a challenging yet gratifying surgery," Attawar said. "PLCH is a rare condition, and to see such a swift and successful recovery is a testament to the combined efforts of medical, administrative and police teams," he added. "During his last follow-up in the last week of May, the patient had completely recovered, and there was no rejection or any reaction to the transplant. In the next six months, the soldier should be able to resume duties at higher altitudes. We could act in time and give our national hero a new lease on life with the support of the central govt and hospital management," Kendre said. Dr Yashraj Patil, trustee and treasurer at Dr DY Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pimpri, said, "This successful transplant is not just a medical milestone, it is a tribute to the spirit of our soldiers and the dedication of our healthcare team."
