Elizabeth Wehrle’s Pioneering Quadruple Organ Transplant at Northwestern Memorial Hospital

Elizabeth Wehrle underwent a remarkable quadruple organ transplant at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, becoming potentially the first in the U.S. to receive a liver, kidney, and second set of lungs after a previous lung transplant. The surgery was done to combat complications caused by cystic fibrosis.

Background and Diagnosis

In 2017, Wehrle had a lung transplant in Iowa due to cystic fibrosis. This condition had been diagnosed when she was 11 and led to damage in her lungs and other organs. Wehrle’s health took a dramatic turn in January when she developed pneumonia, causing significant health decline.

Emergency Transplant

In February, Wehrle’s health rapidly deteriorated, including weight loss, breathing difficulties, and needing help with daily tasks. Her parents decided to have her awakened to make the choice about the transplant. Despite her reluctance to undergo another transplant, Wehrle chose surgery to continue raising her 11-year-old son.

Surgical Procedure

The complex surgery occurred in two phases. Initially, surgeons dealt with her previous lung transplant scars, performing the lung transplant despite severe lung rejection symptoms. The operation continued with the transplantation of a liver and kidney — all from one donor — lasting around eight hours.

Post-Surgery and Progress

Following her surgery, Wehrle spent time in Chicago undergoing rehabilitation and receiving follow-up care, assisted by her family. She has since regained strength, walking several miles daily and planning to return home for a birthday celebration and reunion with her son and pets.

Hope for Future Patients

Northwestern doctors like Dr. Satish Nadig and Dr. Ankit Bharat believe the surgery could pave the way for treating other complex cases. They highlight the immense coordination required and hope it inspires similar efforts elsewhere, potentially benefiting many more patients.