A man in his 60s who survived three life-threatening medical crises—cardiac arrest, acute myocardial infarction, and rectal cancer—within a single year has become a symbol of successful multidisciplinary treatment.
According to Gachon University Gil Medical Center on Sunday, Kwon Soon-sang, born in 1959, was brought to the hospital's emergency room in cardiac arrest in February last year but has since overcome both heart disease and cancer to return to normal life.
"I feel like I've overcome three crises and gained three new lives," Kwon said. "I'm now looking at my body and health as they are and taking better care of myself."
Kwon worked as a department store buyer for over 20 years before running his own clothing business and later working as a security guard. Despite irregular work hours, he had always been confident in managing his health.
That changed when he entered his 60s. Around 11 p.m. on February 7 last year, Kwon suddenly lost consciousness while sitting in a chair outside the security office during his shift. His cardiac arrest continued during transport to Gachon University Gil Medical Center, requiring paramedics to perform continuous CPR.
Upon arrival, the emergency medical team led by Professors Heo Gyu-jin and Yoo Jae-jin of the Department of Emergency Medicine performed CPR three times to restore his heartbeat. Emergency procedures including endotracheal intubation and central venous catheter insertion were quickly completed, and Kwon was transferred to the intensive care unit.
"I could have lost my life from the cardiac arrest, but the medical team's quick response saved me," Kwon said. "That was the first crisis I faced, and I was able to overcome it."
The second crisis emerged shortly after. During treatment for acute heart failure and subsequent examinations, Professor Han Seung-hwan's cardiology team discovered that the cardiac arrest was caused by severe coronary artery disease. Kwon had developed acute myocardial infarction—where heart muscle dies due to insufficient blood supply from blocked or narrowed coronary arteries.
Despite the complexity of treating concurrent heart failure, a collaborative team led by Professor Park Chul-hyun of cardiothoracic surgery performed off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (Off-Pump CABG), restoring Kwon's cardiac function.
Another challenge awaited during recovery: detailed examinations revealed stage 3 rectal cancer.
"At first, I was shocked and resentful to face three events in a row that most people might never experience in their lifetime," Kwon said. "Looking back, these diseases were like time bombs in my body, and thanks to the medical staff, they were all treated before becoming fatal. I feel like I was reborn three times."
The hospital immediately activated a multidisciplinary collaboration system centered on Professor Shim Sun-jin of the oncology department and the radiation oncology team. Starting in March of the same year, combined chemotherapy and radiation treatment over approximately 25 sessions significantly reduced the cancer lesion.
Professor Lee Won-seok of the surgery department closely monitored Kwon's condition and recovery pace to determine the optimal timing for surgery, which was scheduled for July 7. Following laparoscopic low anterior resection, Kwon's final pathology report showed the cancer had regressed to stage 1. He recovered successfully without requiring a stoma.
One year after his ordeal—from cardiac arrest to stage 3 rectal cancer diagnosis—Kwon now lives each day with gratitude and a deeper appreciation for his health.
"The emergency room staff's rapid CPR first saved the patient's life, followed by close collaboration among cardiothoracic surgery, oncology, radiation oncology, and general surgery to help him overcome both heart disease and cancer," Professor Lee said. "This is a prime example of what Gachon University Gil Medical Center's standardized consultation system and seamless multidisciplinary care can achieve."