Lung Transplant
Lung transplantation is a medical procedure that replaces a patient's diseased or failing lungs with healthy lungs from a deceased donor. This option is typically pursued when other treatments for severe lung conditions—such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, or cystic fibrosis—have been ineffective. The success of a lung transplant relies on the careful matching of the donor and recipient, along with diligent post-operative care to prevent organ rejection. While this procedure can significantly enhance a patient’s quality of life and extend their lifespan, it also carries risks and necessitates lifelong immunosuppressive therapy to mitigate the chance of rejection.
About Lung Transplant
A lung transplant is a surgical procedure that involves removing a diseased lung and replacing it with a healthy lung from a donor. This surgery can be performed on one lung or both, depending on the patient’s condition. Lung transplants are suitable for individuals of nearly all ages, from newborns to adults up to age 65, and in some cases, even older. There are two primary types of lung transplants, categorized by the source of the donor lungs and the recipient’s medical condition.
Procedure of Lung Transplant
Lung transplantation is a complex surgical procedure that replaces a patient’s diseased or failing lungs with healthy donor lungs. Before the transplant, the patient undergoes a comprehensive evaluation, which includes a review of medical history, physical examinations, laboratory tests, imaging studies, and psychological assessments. If the patient is found to be a suitable candidate, they are placed on a national or regional transplant waiting list.
During the surgery, the surgeon makes an incision in the recipient’s chest to access the chest cavity. In the case of a single lung transplant, only one lung is replaced; for a double lung transplant, both lungs are replaced. The donor lungs are carefully sutured into place, with meticulous connections made to the blood vessels and airways. The surgeon ensures that the new lungs are functioning properly and checks for any air leaks.
Once the transplant is complete, the incisions are closed, and the patient is transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU) for close monitoring. Mechanical ventilation and other life support measures may be necessary immediately after the surgery. During this time, patients are monitored for signs of organ rejection, infection, and other potential complications. To prevent the recipient’s immune system from rejecting the new lungs, immunosuppressive medications are administered.