About Lung Transplantion
Lung transplantation is a surgical option for
select patients with advanced, nonmalignant lung
disease. Lung transplantation is considered when
other treatment options are unavailable or have
been unsuccessful. Single and bilateral (double)
lung transplantation are the most commonly performed
procedures. The choice of procedures depends upon:
- The type of lung disease
- Presence of pulmonary hypertension
- Recipient's age
Under special circumstances, a combination heart-lung
transplant or a lung-liver can be offered as an
option to the patient.
When a donor lung that seems to match a patient's
needs becomes available, the transplant team contacts
the patient. The recipient is prepared for surgery
when an organ becomes available, but anesthesia
isn't started until the retrieval team has inspected
and approved the donor lung.
Single lung transplantation
Single lung transplantation surgery takes about
4 hours, although it may take longer if the patient
has complications or has had previous chest surgery.
During surgery, the doctor makes an incision that
extends beneath the base of the lung to be removed.
The original lung is then removed and the donor
lung is implanted. The newly transplanted lung
is inflated, 2 tubes are placed in the chest for
drainage, and the chest is closed. Following surgery,
the patient is transferred to an intensive care
unit (ICU) for careful monitoring. The patient
will typically stay in the ICU for 3 to 5 days.
On average, lung transplant patients stay in the
hospital 2 to 3 weeks following surgery.
Bilateral lung transplantation
Bilateral lung transplantation involves replacement
of both lungs. The original lung with the worst
function is removed first, while anesthesia and
ventilation (air) are given to the opposite lung.
When the blood vessels have been connected, ventilation
and blood flow are restored to the new lung. Anesthesia
is then switched to the newly transplanted lung,
and the recipient's other lung is replaced with
the donor lung. Two chest tubes are placed for
drainage on each side, and the chest is closed.
The patient is transferred to an intensive care
unit (ICU) for careful monitoring. On average,
lung transplant patients stay in the hospital
2 to 3 weeks following surgery.
Reviewed by Robert
Kotloff, MD
Last updated September 2004
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