In an interview with AFP before the operation, Hsu said he had never seen such an extreme case of the condition in more than 30 years of medicine.

But the specialist was confident of success, and planned to alleviate the swelling in her legs through surgery.

"It's very likely the disease started when her veins were obstructed, and blood flowed to the lymphatic vessels, thus leading to swelling in the legs," he said.

The operation has meant Wang's thighs have reduced to 51 centimetres (20.4 inches) across, from 66 centimetres, while her calves are 34 centimetres, down from 69 centimetres, according to hospital data.

Wang's overall weight has also fallen from 82 kilograms to 62 kilograms.

"I felt at ease when the doctors announced they had completed the operation. I knew they could do it," said Wang's mother, Cheng Yuxia who travelled with her daughter to Taiwan.

"The surgery has proved to be a great success."

Wang's mother said over the years she had taken her daughter to doctors in the Chinese cities of Shanghai, Beijing, Nanjing and Zhengzhou, all of whom were baffled by her condition and unable to help.

The exact cause of the deformity is still unknown. Elephantiasis, or lymphatic filariasis, is often transmitted by mosquitoes, but doctors have ruled this out in Wang's case.

If post-surgery rehabilitation on her legs goes well, Wang is expected to fly home in early September when "a group of my high school classmates will hold a big party for me," she said.

Wang said she was looking forward to getting on with the rest of her life.

"I hope I can go to college because I believe only knowledge can help me find a decent job," she said.

Wang's high-profile surgery has encouraged dozens of elephantiasis patients to seek help from the hospital.

"That's something unexpected," Hsu said.

Before leaving for the mainland, Wang, who became a Buddhist two years ago, said she wanted to visit Fo Kuang Shan in southern Taiwan to thank them for their generosity.

The group is paying for all travel and non-medical expenses while the hospital is providing the operation and related care, estimated at 16,500 US dollars, free of charge.

Source-AFP
SRM