sssLung transplants are an option for some patients with end-stage respiratory failure, but sadly it is not suitable for all patients with chronic lung disease

Key points:

• lung transplants are a major operation
• It is a treatment option for some patients with end-stage respiratory failure.
• Not all patients with end-stage lung failure are suitable for lung transplantation.
• Your lung doctor and transplant team must be confident you will likely benefit from lung transplants.
• Other treatments may be better for some patients.

Who can have lung transplants?

lung transplants are an option for some patients with end-stage respiratory failure who have not responded to other medical treatments.

Many different causes of lung disease might lead to needing lung transplants. Common causes include idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pulmonary hypertension.

To be able to have a lung transplant, your doctor must believe that the transplant has a good chance of success.

Why a lung transplant might not be your best option

A lung transplant has many advantages but disadvantages, which may make it too risky for some patients.

The main disadvantages are:

• A lung transplant is a significant operation lasting 6-8 hours
• The surgery can place a strain on your organs
• You have to take powerful immunosuppressant medicines afterwards, which can lead to other serious medical problems.
• Some patients experience psychological difficulties afterwards.

Reasons why you might not be able to have lung transplants

Common reasons why a lung transplant may not be the right treatment for you include:

• You are too ill or frail to cope with the surgery and aftercare
• You have recently had cancer, a serious infection, a heart attack or a stroke
• You may struggle to take immunosuppressant medicines after a lung transplant.

Other treatment options

For you to be suitable for lung transplants the benefit must outweigh the risks. If your lung doctor feels transplants is too risky, they might advise other treatments instead.

For more details log on to co-ordinator: www.organstransplant.com