Lung transplantation is a type of surgical treatment in which a diseased lung is replaced by a healthy lung, usually from a dead donor, although this technique can improve quality of life and even cure some serious problems such as cystic fibrosis or sarcoidosis, can also lead to various complications and is therefore only used when other forms of treatment do not work.
Because the transplanted lung contains foreign tissue, it is usually necessary to take immunosuppressive medications for life.These remedies reduce the chances of the body’s defense cells trying to fight foreign lung tissue, preventing transplant rejection.
- Lung transplantation is usually indicated in more severe situations.
- When the lung is severely affected and therefore cannot provide the amount of oxygen needed.
- Some of the most commonly requires transplantation conditions include:.
In addition to lung transplantation, many people also have associated heart problems, and in these cases, a heart transplant may be necessary at the same time as the lung or soon after, to ensure an improvement in symptoms.
Most of the time, these diseases can be treated with simpler and less invasive treatments, such as pills or breathing apparatus, but when these techniques no longer produce the desired effect, transplantation may be a doctor’s option.
Although transplantation can be performed in almost all people with aggravated these diseases, it is contracted in some cases, especially in cases of active infection, a history of cancer or severe kidney disease.Also, if the person is unwilling to make the lifestyle changes needed to fight the disease, the transplant may also be indicated with contrast.
The transplant process begins long before surgery, with a medical evaluation to identify if there are any factors that prevent transplantation and assess the risk of rejection of the new lung. After this assessment, and if selected, it is necessary to be on the waiting list of a compatible donor in a transplant center, such as InCor, for example.
This wait can last from a few weeks to several months depending on certain personal characteristics, such as blood type, organ size and severity of the disease, for example. When a donor is found, the hospital contacts the person who needs the donation to arrive at the hospital in a few hours and undergo the operation. For example, it is advisable to always have a suitcase with clothes ready to wear in the hospital.
In the hospital, a new evaluation is needed to ensure that the surgery is a success and then the transplant surgery is initiated.
Lung transplant surgery is performed under general anesthesia and can last up to X hours.Meanwhile, the surgeon removes the diseased lung, makes a cut to separate the blood vessels and airways from the lung, then prepares the new lung and the vessels, as well as the airways, are reconnected to the new organ.
Because this is very extensive surgery, in some cases it may be necessary to connect the person to a machine that replaces the lungs and heart, but after the operation, the heart and lungs will return to work insurmountably.
Recovery after a lung transplant usually takes 1 to 3 weeks, depending on each person’s body. Immediately after surgery, it is necessary to remain in the ICU, as it is necessary to use a mechanical ventilator to help the new lung breathe properly. However, as the days go by, the machine becomes less necessary and internment can be moved to another wing of the hospital, so there is no need to continue in the ICU.
Throughout the hospital, medications will be given directly into the vein, to reduce pain, the risk of rejection and also decrease the risk of developing an infection, but after discharge, these medications can be taken as a pill, until the recovery process is complete. Complete. Only immunosuppressive drugs should be kept for life.
After discharge, it is necessary to make several appointments with the pneumologist to ensure that recovery is going well, especially during the first 3 months. During these visits, several tests may be needed, such as blood tests, x-rays, or even an electrocardiogram.