What Is a Lung Transplant?

Your lungs are essential. They are what allow you to breathe. They also allow your other organs, such as your heart, to work properly.

A lung transplant is a procedure in which either one (single) or both (double) lungs of a patient are removed and replaced with healthy lungs from a deceased donor.

The decision to complete a single or double lung transplant is based on a few diff erent factors. These factors include the underlying lung disease; the age of the patient; and whether or not the patient has had prior surgery in the chest. Most importantly, the availability of donor lungs determines the decision.

Lung transplant is a high-risk procedure. Most patients, however, see a signifi cant improvement after their transplant. Most patients come off oxygen and can function normally on room air. Many are able to return to work, engage in regular daily activities, travel, and live a normal life.

There are short-term and long-term risks associated with lung transplant. They will be discussed further and explained to you in detail during your evaluation. All patients that receive a lung transplant will require medications to prevent their body from rejecting the new lungs. These medications are called “immunosuppressants,” and they must be taken for life.

Currently, the estimated average survival rate following a lung transplant is about 97 percent at one month, 88 percent at one year, 72 percent at three years, and 65 percent at fi ve years.

All patients that receive a lung transplant will require medications to prevent their body from rejecting the new lungs. These medications are called “immunosuppressants,”and they must be taken for life.