An 81-year-old man may be the world's oldest lung recipient after surgeons performed the successful operation in Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong province, Nanfang Daily reported on Friday.

The patient, surnamed Huang, was a tungsten miner and was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in his lungs two years ago. The condition left him with just 10 percent lung usage.

Transplants are generally not carried out on patients over 70 because of the heightened risk factor. However, the medical team were confident that Huang would survive and lead a full life.

Huang left the hospital on Aug 13 in good condition after the operation on June 25.

It is believed that he is the world's oldest lung recipient.