Sarah Murnaghan Lung Transplant A Success

Sarah Murnaghan’s lung transplant was a success. The 10-year-old girl is now recovering from the controversial surgery. Sarah’s story caught the attention of millions as she was initially turned down for the transplant due to her age.

Sarah was disqualified for the transplant due to a little-known policy. The rule excludes children under the age of 12 from receiving adult organs. As childrens’ lungs are rarely available, Sarah’s life was on the line.

As reported by ABC News, Sarah suffers with cystic fibrosis and her prognosis was grim. Her parents were stunned to learn about the “Under 12 Rule.” They were not willing to risk their daughter’s life as they waited for a pair of lungs. Sarah’s condition was already dire.

Sarah’s parents took their plea to court. District Judge Michael Baylson agreed that the policy was unfair, ordering policy changes within the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network.

Sarah was immediately placed on the adult list. Sarah’s mother Janet posted the long-awaited news on her Facebook Tuesday morning:

“Sarah got THE CALL… She will be taken back to the O.R. in 30 minutes.”

On Tuesday the little girl finally received a set of adult lungs. Doctors have stated that Sarah Murnaghan’s lung transplant was a success.

As reported by Huffington Post, the surgery took six hours. The surgeons had to open Sarah’s chest cavity, re-size the lungs, and transplant them into Sarah’s chest. Despite the possibility of numerous complications, the transplant was successful and doctors say her prognosis is good.

Sarah’s family explained that if the judge had not intervened, she would have likely died within weeks.

The double lung transplant was made possible as someone else chose to donate their organs. The fact that Sarah’s life was saved, as someone else lost theirs, was addressed by Sarah’s family in a statement:

“We are elated this day has come, but we also know our good news is another family’s tragedy. That family made the decision to give Sarah the gift of life – and they are the true heroes today.”

Sarah Murnaghan’s lung transplant was a success, and her family remains by her side as she recovers from the major surgery. Her doctors and family remain optimistic about a complete and full recovery.

[Image via Facebook]