MBBS (AIIMS), MS (Surgery, AIIMS), MNAMS, FACS (USA), FICS (USA), FUICC
COPD, also known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a collective term for a group of respiratory conditions that hampers the lungs ability to expel air. It is the third most common cause of death across the globe. COPD causes congestion and cough, which makes it difficult for the person to breathe. Generally, medicines can help in easing out the symptoms of COPD. But when COPD reaches an advanced stage, it can lead to the development of lung cancer, heart disease, and health problems and frequent secondary infections that can cause early death. Thus, in such cases, lung volume reduction surgery or lung transplant is the only treatment available to improve respiration.
Now, the question arises under what indication is a lung transplant indicated, and what is its survival rate or life expectancy in cases of advanced COPD? So in this blog, let us look at lung transplantations role in patients with COPD.
Before we deal with more complex questions, it is important to know what COPD is and its associated symptoms. COPD is an umbrella term for several respiratory conditions that interfere with a persons normal breathing. COPD is of several types, the most common of which is emphysema. The most common cause of COPD is exposure to allergens that irritate your lungs. The most common symptoms of COPD include:
Not all COPD patients are advised for lung transplantation surgery. In most cases, medicines alone can help relieve COPD symptoms. There is a certain criterion that a patient should meet in order to get a lung transplant done. The criteria set by the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplant include the following:
A lung transplant is an effective treatment option for increasing the quality of life and short-term survival of patients with COPD. However, scientific research still does not validate the long-term life expectancy of COPD patients with lung transplantation. 91-92% of COPD patients who have had a lung transplant have reported surviving for at least 3 months after the transplantation. According to the National Health Society (NHS), 50% of the patients with successful lung transplantation survive for at least 5 years after the surgery. However, certain studies regard lung transplantation as the only treatment that can improve the long-term effect in patients with advanced COPD.
Lung transplantation in a COPD patient demands the utmost care in the postoperative period. The several measures that are taken after the surgery include:
A lung transplant is the surgical replacement of a lung that has stopped functioning. A lung transplant might not be a permanent solution for COPD patients, but it surely contributes to increasing life expectancy and improving the quality of life of COPD patients. However, prevention is always better than cure. COPD can be life-threatening. Therefore, you must always take measures to prevent the disease.
No, lung transplantation is only recommended during the end stage of COPD when no other treatment is producing any effective results.
Lung transplantation is done in advanced COPD patients for two main benefits, that is, to get an increased life expectancy in the patient and improve their quality of life as well.
Lung transplantation surgery is generally the last resort for patients with advanced COPD. The other treatment options available are:
COPD patients with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 35 are not considered an appropriate candidates for a lung transplant.
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License Number: U.P State Medical Council (India) No. 27637