K.R. Balakrishnan, Suresh Rao K.G. and R.K.R.

Noveen Davidson of MGM Healthcare addressing a press conference in Chennai on Wednesday. | Photo Credit: V. UMESH KUMAR A 15-month-old boy from Russia, who was brought to Chennai for a lung transplant following severe lung damage caused by a rare disorder, underwent a series of surgical procedures at MGM Healthcare.

His condition improved following the treatment, and he no longer requires a transplant.The child was diagnosed with multisystem Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), a rare disorder in which Langerhans cells multiply abnormally and accumulate in different organs.The child was airlifted from Russia and admitted to MGM Healthcare in May 2026 for a possible bilateral lung transplant. The hospital’s multidisciplinary team decided to explore other treatment options before proceeding with transplantation.The child underwent bullectomy to remove large air-filled spaces in the lungs, repeated chest drain procedures to remove trapped air and allow the lungs to re-expand, and thoracoscopic atypical lung resection to remove a diseased portion of lung tissue.

He also required mechanical ventilation and intensive care during his hospital stay, which lasted until September.Following the procedures, the child’s respiratory condition improved, and he no longer required a lung transplant, the hospital said.K. R.

Balakrishnan, director, Institute of Heart and Lung Transplant and Mechanical Circulatory Support, MGM Healthcare, said pulmonary LCH could have an unpredictable course, and some children with severe lung involvement could recover with appropriate medical and supportive care.He said the case highlighted the importance of reassessing a patient’s condition and considering available treatment options before proceeding with lung transplantation.Suresh Rao K.G., co-director of the institute and Cardiac Critical Care, said the child’s response to treatment and recovery of his lungs had helped the team avoid transplantation.The treatment involved specialists in cardiac critical care, haematology, paediatric pulmonology and surgery, infectious diseases, neurology, urology, dermatology, ENT and thoracic surgery, along with the lung transplant team and ICU staff. Published - November 05, 2026 12:12 am IST