About Lung Transplant

 

Overview of Lung Transplant

When does a patient require a lung transplant?

Patients with end-stage lung disease – whose lungs can no longer obtain sufficient oxygen for the body, require lung transplantation. You may download the criteria for Lung Recipients here:Lung Transplant Referral Criteria.pdf

Common end-stage lung diseases which require Lung Transplantation include:
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)
- Bronchiectasis
- Pulmonary Hypertension (Primary and Secondary)

Symptoms of failure

A person with lung failure may experience the following symptoms:
- Shortness of breath
- Frequent coughing, especially when lying down
- Swollen feet, ankles, and legs due to fluid buildup 
- Abdominal swelling and pain
- Fatigue
- Dizziness or fainting

Eligibility of transplant

Patients suffering from end-stage lung disease and under the age of 60 are eligible for lung transplant. The doctor, patient and family must address the following four basic questions to determine whether a transplant should be considered:
- Have all other medical therapies been tried or ruled out?
- Is the patient likely to die without the transplant?
- Is the patient generally in good health other than suffering from heart disease?
- Can the patient adhere to the lifestyle changes which include complex drug treatments and frequent medical examinations, required after a transplant?

Patients who do not meet the above criteria or suffer from other severe diseases, active infections or severe obesity, are not eligible for a lung transplant.

For lung transplant candidates, members of the transplant team, including the pulmonologist, surgeon, and clinical coordinator will review the patients' underlying lung condition and prospects of a successful transplant.