Li Guang, an associate professor of critical diseases, led his team in a rotation to look after Cui after the surgery.

"After two months of medical observation and treatment, Cui's transplanted lungs were found to have fully adapted to his body, and his oxygenation index had reached more than 380, which is normal lung function," Li said.

Cui had been hospitalized for treatment for 166 days at the time of his discharge. At a brief ceremony on Tuesday, he thanked the medical staff members who had worked to save his life. Cui's family also brought a banner to the hospital expressing thanks to the medical team.