When is Lung Transplantation Indicated? - Dr. Arvind Kumar | Medanta
Table of Content
Doctors generally recommend lung transplantation when a person reaches end-stage lung disease. But what exactly is end-stage lung disease? Dr. Arvind Kumar of Medanta explains this critical concept in detail.
What is End-stage Lung Disease?
End-stage lung disease is a medical condition in which the person’s lungs are damaged to the extent that they cannot maintain the body's normal oxygen levels. In this condition, patients are not able to clear the CO2 out of the body, and there is no medical treatment or remedy to bring them back to normalcy.
This means the lungs have reached the end stage of their function with no medical cure or remedy available. This situation is precisely what is called end-stage lung disease, and this is when lung transplantation becomes the only option available today.
Diseases That May Lead to Lung Transplantation
The diseases which can cause end-stage lung disease include:
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
The most common worldwide cause is COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, which is often due to smoking but may also be due to pollution exposure. In COPD, the lungs become bloated and cannot function properly. They become distended—a hyper-distended chest—and lose their ability to function effectively.
Pulmonary Fibrosis
Another disease that can cause end-stage lung disease is called fibrosis, specifically idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. This lung condition represents a large group of disorders in which the lungs shrink and lose their expansion capacity and gas exchange capacity.
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
End-stage lung disease can also develop in pulmonary arterial hypertension, a medical condition in which the blood vessels inside the lungs experience pressure that rises too high, ultimately interfering with normal lung function.
Infectious and Other Diseases
Beyond these primary causes, there are various infectious diseases like cystic fibrosis, bronchitis, sarcoidosis, or various other uncommon diseases, which can also damage the lungs irreversibly with no medical remedy, leading to end-stage lung disease.
The Ultimate Solution
All people suffering from these various diseases for which there is no medical treatment ultimately need lung transplantation and do benefit from it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How complex is the lung transplantation procedure?
Lung transplantation is a complex procedure involving a team of specialised doctors. It is a major surgery that can take several hours to complete.
Can patients live a normal life after lung transplantation?
With successful transplantation and proper care, most patients can enjoy a better quality of life. However, they will require regular medical monitoring and medications.
Who can be a lung donor?
Lung donors are typically brain-dead individuals who have decided to donate their organs. In some cases, lobe transplantation from living donors may also be performed.
Do patients need to take medications for life after lung transplantation?
Transplant recipients must take immunosuppressive medicines for life to prevent their bodies from rejecting the new lungs.
Is there an increased risk of infection after lung transplantation?
Yes, the risk of infection increases after transplantation because immunosuppressive medications weaken the body’s immune system. Patients need to take special precautions and immediately contact their doctor if they experience any signs or symptoms of infection.
This blog has been converted from the Youtube video- When Is Lung Transplantation Indicated? | Dr. Arvind Kumar | Medanta Hospital, Gurugram
