Pulmonology & Respiratory Medicine

Lung Transplantation

Lung transplantation involves surgically replacing a patient's diseased lungs with healthy lungs from either a living or deceased donor. Living donors can donate one lung lobe, while deceased donors provide both lungs. Depending on the lung disease, recipients may require either a single or double lung transplant. While lung transplants carry risks, they can significantly extend life expectancy and improve the quality of life for individuals with end-stage pulmonary conditions.

Initially, lung damage may be managed with medication or respiratory devices, but when these measures fail and lung function becomes life-threatening, a transplant may be recommended. Some recipients, particularly those with conditions like cystic fibrosis, may require bilateral lung transplantation. Additionally, individuals with concomitant heart conditions may undergo procedures to address coronary artery disease alongside lung transplantation. In severe cases involving heart and lung dysfunction, combined heart-lung transplantation may be necessary.

• Types of lung transplant
• Factors that may affect the eligibility for a lung transplant
• Risks factors for Lung transplantation
• Side effects of anti-rejection drugs
• Transplant requirements