Groundbreaking Quadruple-Organ Transplant at Northwestern

Elizabeth Wehrle underwent a major surgical procedure at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. She received four new organs, marking a significant milestone as potentially the first of its kind in the country. Wehrle had a unique profile—she was not only undergoing a quadruple-organ transplant but also had a prior lung transplant.

Wehrle expressed gratitude for her surgeons’ courage to perform the unprecedented operation. She stated, “I’m incredibly grateful that they decided to take this chance on me, but I’m also very glad that I didn’t know I was the first.” Her case is noteworthy as she received a liver, kidney, and a second set of donor lungs after her previous transplant failed and her cystic fibrosis damaged other organs.

Surgeons faced challenges due to dense scarring from her earlier lung transplant, complicating the anatomy. Dr. Satish Nadig, the director at the Northwestern Medicine Comprehensive Transplant Center, remarked that Wehrle had no alternatives, highlighting the power of transplant in her life-saving procedure.

Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at age 11, Wehrle’s condition worsened over time. After a 2017 lung transplant, she returned to motherhood and her career. Her health declined sharply in January, requiring hospitalization and life support. Determined to continue being a mother to her son, Wehrle chose to undergo another transplant, despite previous reluctance.

During her Northwestern surgery, performed in two stages, doctors first prepared her lungs. Dr. Ankit Bharat noted that patients in similar situations often experience severe rejection, complicating a second transplant. Surgeons successfully replaced Wehrle’s lungs, followed by a liver and kidney, all organs from a single donor. Wehrle recalls relief upon awakening, grateful to continue raising her son.

Post-surgery, Wehrle spent time at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab for rehabilitation. During her recovery, she enjoyed significant progress and looks forward to returning home, celebrating her birthday belatedly with her son and reuniting with her cats.

Northern doctors see this surgery as a breakthrough, potentially benefiting others undergoing complex transplants. Dr. Nadig emphasized the remarkable coordination required, extending hope beyond existing capabilities.