Temple University Hospital performed 131 lung transplants in 2017, making it the No. 1 volume lung transplant program in the nation, according to new data from the United Network for Organ Sharing.

 

Temple’s lung transplant volume has grown steadily in recent years, increasing to 131 last year from five transplants in 2011.

 

“Since 2011, we have recruited top talent and made significant process and protocol improvements,” said Verdi J. DiSesa, president and chief executive officer of TUH. “To reach this level in such a short period of time is nothing short of extraordinary. This truly is a demonstration of the talent and dedication of our transplant team and a measure of our commitment to serve patients who are in need of highly skilled, complex care.” 

 

Since Temple’s Lung Transplantation Program was established in 1994, 669 transplants have been performed at the hospital. The nationally recognized Temple Lung Center, which treats tens of thousands of patients annually, specializes in treatment of both common and complex lung issues, including asthma, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, lung cancer, sarcoidosis, pneumonia and pulmonary hypertension. 

 

Its Sarcoidosis Program was recently designated as an official World Association for Sarcoidosis and Other Granulomatous Disorders Sarcoidosis Clinic, making it the only institution in Pennsylvania and one of 27 worldwide to earn that designation. 

 

“The collective achievements of the Temple Lung Center and the transplant team embody Temple’s commitment to building the best pulmonary program in the nation,” DiSesa said.