10-Hour Lifesaving Whole Lung Lavage at Apollo Jubilee Hills Restores Breathing in Patient with Rare Lung Disease

Hyderabad: In a significant medical achievement, Apollo Hospitals Jubilee Hills successfully performed a complex Whole Lung Lavage (WLL) procedure on a patient suffering from Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis (PAP)—a rare and serious lung disorder that disrupts the body’s ability to absorb oxygen.

Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis is a condition in which abnormal proteinaceous material accumulates inside the alveoli, the tiny air sacs of the lungs responsible for oxygen exchange. As this material builds up, it blocks the normal flow of oxygen into the bloodstream, leading to progressive breathlessness, reduced oxygen levels, and worsening respiratory function. If left untreated, the condition can severely impact a patient’s quality of life and may lead to life-threatening complications.

To treat the condition, the medical team at Apollo Hospitals performed Whole Lung Lavage, a highly specialized and technically demanding procedure considered the gold standard treatment for selected PAP cases. The intervention involves repeatedly washing the lungs with sterile saline to remove the accumulated protein deposits and restore normal lung function.

The procedure required meticulous planning, advanced airway management, continuous monitoring, and close coordination between multiple medical specialties. During the process, one lung was ventilated while the other lung was filled with warm saline solution and gently drained to remove the abnormal deposits. The same procedure was then performed on the second lung.

The complex intervention lasted nearly 10 hours, highlighting the level of precision and expertise required to safely perform the procedure.

The treatment was led by Dr. Vijay Kumar Chennamchetty, Lead Interventional Pulmonologist, with the support of a multidisciplinary team including Dr. Ravi Kanth Vanguri, Dr. Madhav, and Dr. U. Srinivas from the Department of Anaesthesiology, along with pulmonologists Dr. N. Soujanya, Dr. Sricharan, and Dr. Neelesh Guttikonda.

The 38-year-old patient, who required 6 liters per minute of supplemental oxygen at the time of admission, showed remarkable improvement following the procedure. By the time of discharge, the patient’s oxygen requirement had reduced to just 1 liter per minute, indicating a substantial recovery in lung function.

The anesthesia team played a critical role in maintaining patient stability and ensuring safe airway control throughout the lengthy procedure. The success of the intervention was further supported by the efforts of physiotherapist Vamsi and technicians Natraj and Aravind, reflecting the importance of coordinated teamwork in managing complex medical procedures.

Key Highlights of the Procedure

• Duration: Approximately 10 hours, reflecting the high level of complexity involved
• Technique: Nearly 30 liters of warm saline used to cleanse both lungs
• Execution: Required advanced airway management and precise lung isolation
• Team Approach: Collaboration across pulmonology, anesthesia, physiotherapy, and technical teams
• Clinical Outcome: Oxygen requirement reduced from 6 L/min to 1 L/min, indicating significant improvement in respiratory function

Expert Insight

Dr. Vijay Kumar Chennamchetty, Lead Interventional Pulmonologist at Apollo Hospitals Jubilee Hills, said:

"Whole Lung Lavage is one of the most specialized and resource-intensive procedures in pulmonary medicine. It requires exceptional coordination between multiple medical teams, advanced clinical expertise, and continuous monitoring. The successful completion of this procedure reflects our team’s commitment to delivering advanced treatment solutions for rare and complex respiratory diseases."

About Apollo Hospitals Jubilee Hills

Apollo Hospitals Jubilee Hills is a leading tertiary care medical center recognized for its excellence in advanced healthcare, multidisciplinary clinical expertise, and innovative treatment approaches. The hospital continues to play a vital role in delivering cutting-edge care in pulmonology, critical care, and interventional respiratory medicine.