A medical team at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center in Riyadh successfully performed a whole-lung lavage on a 10-year-old girl suffering from a rare lung condition, with the child discharged in stable condition after five days of monitoring.
The girl was diagnosed with pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, a rare disease in which protein and fat build up inside the lung's air sacs, making it increasingly difficult to breathe. Before the procedure, her blood oxygen saturation had dropped to 79%, well below the usual reported range of 95% to 100%.
The operation lasted around nine hours and treated both lungs in a single session. Each lung was managed separately through a specialized tube while the other lung continued to receive ventilation. Warm saline was repeatedly introduced into the lung and then drained, with the process repeated until the fluid came out nearly clear.
Why it matters
After the lavage, the girl's supplemental oxygen needs decreased noticeably, dropping from 4.5 liters. She was closely monitored in the pediatric intensive care unit and discharged after five days without complications.
Cases like this highlight the growing capability of specialized medical centers in the Kingdom to manage complex and rare conditions in children. For families across Riyadh and beyond, it offers reassurance that advanced treatments for uncommon diseases are available locally.
Stay updated with the latest news, events, sports updates, business insights, real estate and lifestyle stories on Saudi Living — the leading online platform for residents, expats, and visitors in Saudi Arabia.
Follow Saudi Living for daily updates:
- Instagram - @saudiliving
- X - @saudiliving
- Facebook - @saudiliving
- YouTube - @saudiliving
Don't Miss Similar Listings
Be the first to know when new stories on this topic are published.
