World's first triple transplant patient OK
An Australian woman -- the world's first triple organ transplant patient -- is reportedly doing well after being given a second chance at life.
Leanne Myles of Cowra, Australia, was on her death bed following the failure of her liver, kidneys and pancreas, the Sydney Daily News reported.
At 19, she was diagnosed with a rare type of hepatitis that caused her body to attack itself. About six months ago she was placed on life support at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney and given only weeks to live.
Her condition deteriorated dramatically and the decision was made to perform three transplants, officials told the newspaper.
Surgeons spent three hours preparing the organs -- connecting the pancreas to the liver using blood vessels from the donor. And almost immediately after being transplanted the organs began to work, surgeons said.
Myles told the Daily News: "I live in a small country town. I don't want to travel the world or anything -- I just want to go home and enjoy being healthy, hopefully get married one day and have children."
Copyright 2006 by United Press International
