Lung Transplant: Types: Contraindications, Procedure
Do you know that the first human lung was transplanted in 1963? Even the first successful heart-lung surgery was performed in 1981. So what is this lung transplant?
Lung transplantation or Pulmonary transplantation is a surgical procedure where the diseased lung gets transplanted with a healthy lung or lungs or with only a lobe. A single lobe of the lung is usually transplanted from an alive donor. There are a few complications of a lung transplant. If the transplant is successful then the life expectancy of the recipient increases.
Types of lung transplant:
- In Lobe transplant, a single lobe of the lung is usually transplanted. An alive donor can give only one lobe. If more than one lobe is needed, then the lungs are retrieved from more than one donor. If the lobes are procured from the deceased donor then both the lobes are extracted. The live donors are screened properly to make sure that they lead a quality life, even after the reduction of a lobe.
- Single lung transplant is a single lung transplantation surgery.
- Both lung transplant is a surgery where both the diseased lungs of the recipient are replaced by the healthy lungs of the donor.
- In cases of severe respiratory distress, the heart also gets affected. In such cases, the heart-lung transplant is often suggested.
Contra-indication for surgery:
- Chronic ailments of heart, lungs, kidneys or liver
- Infections such as HIV or hepatitis
- Recent history of cancer or people having cancer.
- People who consume alcohol, smoke tobacco or other harmful drugs.
- Older adults especially people who are more than 65 years.
- People who do not follow the instructions of the doctor.
Pre-operative care:
Transplantation of lungs is usually a very long and complicated method. Once a potential donor is found in cases of an alive donor, he/she is evaluated properly. Besides, the recipient is also evaluated. If doner-recipient evaluation suggests the transplant is possible; then the doctor goes ahead with the process.
During the procedure:
After sedating the patient. Connect the patient with the heart-lung machine. An incision is made in the diseased lung/lungs/lobes or heart and lungs and replaced by healthy donor organs.
The major blood vessels connected to the diseased lungs are then connected to the new lungs. The incision is later sutured together.
Post-operative care:
Move the patient to the ICU for three to four days after surgery. Immunosupperent and Pain-killers are administered to the patients to subside the pain. This also decreases the chances of rejection of the donated organs also.
- Visit the doctor often
- Go for the blood test, and biopsy as advised by the doctor to see if there are any infections or any signs of rejection or cancer in the organ
- Take medicines as advised by the doctor
- Exercise regularly as advised by the physiotherapist
- Avoid alcohol, tobacco or any harmful drugs
Complications of the surgery:
- Fever
- Flu-like symptoms
- Difficulty in breathing
- Pain in chest
- Loss of weight