Nechama Rivlin underwent a single lung transplant on Monday at Beilinson Hospital in Petach Tikvah, a spokesperson for the president’s office said.
“As is normal after a procedure like this, Nechama is sedated and on a respirator until she recovers and is able to breath unassisted. She is in a stable condition, and is surrounded by close family,” he said.
Lung transplants are life-saving operations that allow patients with terminal pulmonary disease to resume a full life without depending on an external oxygen supply.
The complex procedure took several hours and was performed by Professor Dan Aravot, Director of the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Beilinson, assisted by Nechama’s personal physician Professor Mordechai Kramer, Director of the Institute of Pulmonary Medicine at Beilinson.
“Nechama required this operation because she has been suffering from pulmonary fibrosis for several years. The transplant took place after a long period of waiting,” the spokesperson said.
“President Reuven (Ruvi) Rivlin and the whole family thank the dedicated medical team for their warm and professional care throughout the process.”
