KGMU Performs First Successful Whole Lung Lavage for Rare Lung Disease

Lucknow : King George’s Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow has marked a historic milestone in the field of respiratory medicine by successfully performing its first Whole Lung Lavage (WLL) — a rare and complex procedure used to treat Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis (PAP), a life-threatening lung condition. This achievement places KGMU among the limited global institutions capable of performing this specialized intervention.

The patient, 40-year-old Aniruddh, was admitted with severe respiratory distress and required nearly 15 liters of oxygen per minute. He was under the care of Unit-2, led by Dr. S.K. Verma, Dr. Rajeev Garg, and Dr. Anand Srivastava. His occupational history included prolonged exposure to cement and stone blasting industries — a recognized risk factor for several pulmonary disorders.

Initially stabilized on High Flow Nasal Oxygen (HFNO), the patient underwent a detailed diagnostic work-up. Blood tests and chest X-rays revealed extensive bilateral lung involvement. A high-resolution CT scan of the chest showed "ground-glass opacities" and a "crazy-paving pattern" — radiological hallmarks of PAP.

To confirm the diagnosis, a Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL) was conducted, which validated the presence of PAP. Given the severity and rarity of the condition, a multidisciplinary team decided to proceed with Whole Lung Lavage, currently the only established treatment for this disease.

The procedure was conducted in two phases:

Right lung lavage on June 13, 2025

Left lung lavage on July 7, 2025

The success of this highly coordinated effort was due to seamless collaboration among multiple departments:

Respiratory Medicine: Dr. Rajeev Garg, Dr. Anand Srivastava, and their resident team led the lavage procedure.

Anaesthesiology: Dr. Shefali Gautam, Dr. Vinita Singh, Dr. Kritika Yadav, Dr. Rahul, and Dr. Monika Kohli with their team ensured patient safety during anesthesia.

General Surgery and Operations Support: Prof. Dr. Suresh Kumar (Medical Superintendent, GM&AH) and his team provided essential surgical and logistical support.

Post-procedure, the patient showed remarkable recovery. He is now stable and no longer dependent on oxygen therapy.

Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis is a rare lung disease characterized by accumulation of proteinaceous and lipid-rich material in the alveoli (air sacs), severely impairing oxygen exchange. Though the exact cause often remains unknown, occupational exposure to dust or chemicals is considered a contributing factor. Whole Lung Lavage involves washing out the lungs under general anesthesia to remove this buildup and restore lung function.

KGMU's first successful Whole Lung Lavage is not only a landmark moment for the institution but also a beacon of hope for patients with rare lung conditions in India. It also showcases the power of teamwork, innovation, and specialized tertiary care.

KGMU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sonia Nityanand congratulated the entire team, calling it a “moment of pride for the university and a testament to KGMU’s excellence in advanced clinical care.”