Outcomes of Lung Transplants Performed in Singapore and Maintaining Expertise in This Field
Ministry of HealthSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns lung transplant outcomes and the maintenance of surgical expertise despite the low volume of procedures performed in Singapore. MP Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat inquired about transplant results since 2020 and whether treating regional patients could prevent potential skills erosion. Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung reported that of four transplants performed since 2020, one patient is recovering while three have passed away. He explained that Singapore’s lower surgical volume results from a lower local prevalence of end-stage lung disease compared to Western countries. To maintain competence, the transplant team utilizes overseas training, proctoring by Duke University experts, practice with animal models, and other thoracic surgeries.
Transcript
49 Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health given that fewer than 20 lung transplants have been carried out since 2000 under the Lung Transplant Programme (a) what were the outcomes of each lung transplant performed since 2020; (b) whether such volume is sufficient to maintain competence in such specialisation; and (c) whether solutions, such as treating subsidised ASEAN patients, have been explored to arrest any skills erosion.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: Patients undergoing lung transplant generally have end-stage lung disease. Lung transplant is the only remaining lifesaving treatment option for these patients. There are multiple factors that influence post-transplant outcomes. These include the recipient's underlying diagnosis and presence of cardiopulmonary complications arising from the original lung disease and the health condition at the time of transplantation.
Between 2020 and 2025, there were four lung transplant surgeries performed. Three of the recipients passed away and the other is recovering well.
The volume of lung transplant surgeries in Singapore is not expected to be comparable to Western countries, likely due to our lower prevalence of end-stage lung diseases. Nonetheless, the transplant team maintains their expertise through training at high volume transplant centres overseas and participation in international conferences and workshops. Experts from the Duke University Health System, one of the largest lung transplant programme in the United States, also proctor the transplant surgeons during transplant surgeries performed in Singapore. Transplant surgeons also maintain their technical skills by performing other thoracic surgeries involving similar surgical techniques used in lung transplants and undergo surgical practice using animal models.