A lung transplant (also called a pulmonary transplant) is a life-saving surgical procedure in which a diseased lung is replaced with a healthy lung from a donor. It is typically recommended for patients with advanced lung disease who no longer respond to conventional treatments, or when life expectancy is less than 2–3 years.
Conditions That May Require a Lung Transplant #
Lung transplantation may be considered for people suffering from:
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A group of lung conditions that make breathing difficult.
- Cystic Fibrosis: A hereditary disorder that causes thick mucus buildup, leading to progressive and fatal lung damage.
- Pulmonary Hypertension: High blood pressure in the arteries carrying blood from the heart to the lungs.
- Pulmonary Fibrosis: Scarring and stiffening of lung tissue, which restricts breathing.
Types of Lung Transplant #
There are three main types of lung transplantation:
-
Single Lung Transplant
- Only one diseased lung is replaced with a donor lung.
- Suitable for conditions like emphysema or pulmonary fibrosis, but not for infections such as cystic fibrosis (as the infection could spread to the new lung).
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Double (Bilateral) Lung Transplant
- Both lungs are replaced with donor lungs.
- Common for patients with cystic fibrosis or COPD.
- Offers better long-term outcomes compared to a single lung transplant because of greater lung capacity and reserve.
- If performed one lung at a time, it is called a bilateral sequential transplant.
-
Heart-Lung Transplant
- The heart and both lungs are removed and replaced with donor organs.
- Recommended for patients with severe pulmonary hypertension.
- Rare due to limited availability of suitable donors.
Lung Transplant Procedure #
Before being added to the transplant list, patients must undergo extensive testing to confirm that their heart, kidneys, and liver can support recovery after surgery. Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and weight management may also be required.
- Surgery Duration: 4–12 hours depending on complexity.
- Process: The chest is opened, diseased lungs are removed, donor lungs are connected to blood vessels and airways, and the chest is closed.
- Support: A heart-lung bypass machine may be used to keep blood circulating during the operation.
- Recovery Time: At least 3 months, often requiring pulmonary rehabilitation.
Risks of Lung Transplant #
Lung transplantation is a complex procedure with potential complications, including:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Pulmonary edema (fluid buildup in lungs)
- Airway or blood vessel blockages
- Rejection of donor lungs – managed with immunosuppressive medications, which also increase infection risk
Outlook After Lung Transplant #
The outlook for patients has improved significantly in recent years. According to the British Transplantation Society:
- About 9 out of 10 patients survive the operation.
- Most patients live at least one year post-surgery.
- With proper care, many enjoy improved quality of life and longer survival.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Lung Transplants #
1. How long can a person live after a lung transplant? #
Survival rates vary depending on overall health and complications. On average:
- 1-year survival rate: ~85–90%
- 5-year survival rate: ~50–60%
With good care, some patients live 10–20 years after surgery.
2. What is the recovery process like after a lung transplant? #
Recovery usually requires:
- A hospital stay of 2–3 weeks.
- At least 3 months of pulmonary rehabilitation and close monitoring.
- Long-term use of immunosuppressants to prevent rejection.
3. Can you live a normal life after a lung transplant? #
Many patients return to daily activities and enjoy a much better quality of life. However, they must continue regular check-ups, healthy lifestyle habits, and lifelong medication.
4. What disqualifies someone from a lung transplant? #
Factors that may prevent eligibility include:
- Active smoking or substance abuse
- Severe heart, kidney, or liver disease
- Active infections or cancer
- Poor adherence to medical care
5. Is lung transplant the last option? #
Yes. A transplant is usually considered only after all other treatments fail, and when the patient’s life expectancy is less than 2–3 years without surgery.