Lung Organ Transplant
Lung organ transplantation is the process of taking a healthy lung from a donor and transplanting it to a patient whose lung does not function. In a lung transplant, one lung can be changed or both lungs can be changed. In some special cases, the heart can be transplanted along with the lungs. Lung organ transplantation is a very difficult and major surgery. However, it may be the only option for some patients.
Who is the transplant for? Lung transplantation is performed in end-stage lung diseases that cannot be recovered by other treatment methods and oxygen, which is one of the basic needs for living, cannot be taken by the lungs. In patients who permanently and irreversibly lose their lung functions; progressive decrease in lung function and quality of life and premature death (mortality). If the life expectancy of the patient will be prolonged after transplantation and the quality of life of the patient will increase, transplantation should be performed.
The most common end-stage lung diseases are:
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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
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Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)
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Cystic fibrosis
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Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
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Connective Tissue Diseases
What are the transport resources? In lung organ transplants, either cadaver or living donor (donor) organs are used. Organ transplantation from a living donor is more successful. Because the transfer time is short, the time when the circulation is stopped is also short. Since this period is longer in cadaver transplants, damage occurs in the lung to be transplanted and the chance of success decreases.
Is blood group and tissue compatibility necessary in transplantation? Blood group compatibility is essential between the patient to whom organ transplantation will be performed and the donor (donor). However, the compatibility of the blood with the Rh factor is not sought. Although tissue compatibility is not sought, conditions that may lead to severe organ and tissue rejection such as PRA (Panel Reactive Antibody) are investigated.
How long does it take to be discharged from the hospital? In lung organ transplants, when the patient will be discharged from the hospital varies depending on the complications that develop after the surgery. If the patient has not developed any complications, they can be discharged within 4-6 weeks.
