Are you the Right Candidate for Lung Transplant?

A lung transplant is a surgical procedure to replace a failing lung with a healthy lung from a donor. People suffering from emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, etc., are the best candidates for lung transplants.

Having an end-stage lung disease makes you an ideal candidate for a lung transplant. People with end-stage lung disease can no longer see results with medical therapies. Therefore, you may have to undergo transplantation for one or both lungs. However, it depends on your present medical state.

A lung transplant is a major surgery and may be associated with numerous complications. However, a successful lung transplant can significantly optimise your life’s quality. You should know whether or not you’re a good candidate for a lung transplant before undergoing the procedure.

Why Do You Need a Lung Transplant?

Your doctor may recommend a lung transplant if you have a lung condition that isn’t responding to medications. Damaged or unhealthy lungs make it more challenging for your other organs to derive oxygen. In addition, numerous diseases or health conditions may damage your lungs. Here are some of the most common causes for which you may need a lung transplant.

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD
• Scarring of the lungs
• High pressure of blood in the lungs, also known as pulmonary hypertension
• Bronchopulmonary dysplasia interfering with your body’s normal breathing
• Cystic fibrosis
• Other conditions like histiocytosis, sarcoidosis, etc., can severely damage your lungs.

In most cases, your healthcare practitioner may treat lung damage with medications and advanced breathing devices. However, when these strategies fail to yield any type of result, your doctor may ask you to undergo a lung transplant. People with severe heart and lung conditions may require a combined transplant of lungs and heart.

What Happens before a Lung Transplant?

Before a lung transplant, you should undergo thorough pre-transplant screening. Note that a pre-transplant screening is a primary step in determining the effectiveness of a lung transplant for you. Your doctor will provide collection information that includes:

• Your overall physical health
• Blood tests
• The health history of your family
• Pulmonary function tests
• Tissue typing
• CT scans and chest X-Rays
• Bone density analysis

Eligibility Criteria for Undergoing a Lung Transplant Procedure

The traditional age limit for the transplantation of a lung is 65 years. However, you need to meet several considerations before undergoing a lung transplant. Here is the list of them.

• You should have the physical ability to survive for at least three months following the transplant.
• The medical likelihood that you will survive for five years after the transplant.
• You should be 60 years of age or less for a double lung transplant.
• For a single lung transplant, you should be 65 years or less.
• You shouldn’t have any terminal illness.
• Have a sound social support system.
• You should have the ability to demonstrate emotional stability.
• It is essential for you to have a realistic understanding of the implications of organ transplants.
• You should have good rehabilitation potential.

Also Read - What Disqualifies You From A Lung Transplant? Your Lung Transplant Eligibility Guide

Specific Factors that may affect your Eligibility for a Lung Transplant

A lung transplant isn’t the proper treatment for everyone. Your doctor will be able to clarify your queries. A lung transplant isn’t ideal if you,

• Are suffering from an ongoing infection,
• Have severe diseases involving the kidneys, heart, or the liver,
• Have a medical history associated with cancer,
• Don’t possess a supportive social network,
• Are unwilling to implement lifestyle changes to keep your lungs healthy,
• Are an active smoker,
• Have end-stage liver disease,
• Have addiction problems,
• Have HIV,
• Have severe neurological defects,
• Have bone marrow dysfunction.

The Main Types of Lung Transplant Procedures

Usually, there are three main types of lung transplant procedures.

• Single Lung Transplant

In this procedure, the doctor will remove one of your damaged lungs and replace it with a donated lung.

• Double Lung Transplant

Your doctor will remove both the lungs and replace them with the lungs of the donor.

• Lung and Heart Transplant

In this procedure, your doctor will remove both the heart and lungs and replace them with donated lungs and heart.

Things to Follow before a Lung Transplant

After finding your suitability for the lung transplant procedure, your doctor will create a healthcare plan. Here are some essential things you should follow before the lung transplant procedure.

• Implementing Lifestyle Changes

It is essential to implement specific lifestyle changes for the lung transplant procedure to be successful. For instance, you should stop drinking alcohol. You must not smoke at any cost. Moreover, it is necessary to maintain a consistent weight as recommended by your doctor.

• Strictly Adhere to the Prescribed Medications

You should strictly adhere to the medicines prescribed by your doctor. These medications will prepare your body for the lung transplant procedure.

• Attending to Appointments

You will have appointments with your doctor. In most cases, your doctor will form a medical team comprising specialists. The medical team will evaluate your overall health to ensure everything goes smoothly during the transplant.

• Physical Activities

Certain types of exercises are necessary to perform before the lung transplant. For instance, you should practice weight loss exercises to maintain a consistent weight. In addition, physical activities will keep your body in the best condition. You will also have to coordinate with a respiratory therapist. The respiratory therapist will create a breather exercise program to keep your lungs healthy.

Advantages of Undergoing a Lung Transplant

A lung transplant procedure positively affects the quality of your life. The primary benefits of a lung transplant procedure are as follows:

• Increased lifespan
• Bid farewell to respiratory diseases permanently
• You will get more energy to perform your daily activities

Undergoing a lung transplant is always a crucial decision. Therefore, it is always good to stay informed about your eligibility as a lung cancer patient. If you are a good candidate for a lung transplant, consult with Dr Arvind Kumar at the earliest. Dr Arvind Kumar possesses more than four decades of clinical experience. He also has more than twenty years of experience performing keyhole and robotic surgeries.