Lung Transplant for Congressman

WASHINGTON — Rep. Charlie Norwood (R-Ga.), who has suffered from a breathing disorder for more than six years, underwent a lung transplant Tuesday that doctors said was necessary to save his life.

The surgery began Tuesday night in Inova Fairfax Hospital in Fairfax, Va. His spokesman, Duke Hipp, said that the procedure was expected to last three to six hours and that Norwood was expected to be hospitalized for two to three weeks.

The 63-year-old probably will not resume his congressional duties for about three months, Hipp said.

Before entering surgery, Norwood said in a statement, “I look forward to a successful recovery and return to my normal duties.” He also asked for people to fill out organ donor cards, saying, “It’s vitally important to give life where another has ended.”

The fifth-term congressman was diagnosed in 1998 with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, which slowly restricts the ability to breathe. He went public with the condition last month, when it appeared surgery would be needed soon.

In recent weeks, he has voted and attended committee meetings with the aid of an oxygen canister that he carries with him.

This was the third time Norwood had reached the top of the waiting list for a transplant, but twice before doctors determined his condition was not dire enough for immediate surgery.