Lung transplantation – Lung transplantation

Description lung transplant

When the operation is carried out removing diseased or damaged lungs. They are replaced with healthy lungs from a deceased donor. There may be one or both of the transplanted lung. In some cases simultaneously with the light is produced by a heart transplant. In this case, the procedure is called complex transplant “heart-lung”.

Causes of lung transplants

Lung transplant is done to, to cure irreversible, life-threatening lung disease, such as:

• End-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema,;
• Mukovystsydoz;
• Pulmonary hypertension;
• Deficiency of alpha-1 antitrypsin (genetic disease);
• Sarkoidoz;
• Severe lung scarring or inflammation of the bronchioles.

Possible complications of lung transplantation

If you plan to transplant lungs, you need to know about possible complications, which may include:

• Infection;
• Bleeding;
• Rejection of the transplanted lung (the immune system attacks the new light);
• Disease, associated with taking immunosuppressive drugs (increased risk of infection and cancer);
• Problems, associated with anesthesia;
• Death.

We need to discuss these risks with your doctor before the procedure.

How is lung transplantation?

Preparation for the procedure

Before, how to perform a lung transplant, It will assess the state of health, to determine, if you qualify for this operation. During the evaluation,, which often requires a hospital stay, held some or all of the tests:

• Medical review;
• Blood tests;
• Tissue typing;
• Electrocardiogram – test, which detects heart activity by measurement of electrical current through the heart muscle;
• Chest CT – such as X-rays, which uses computer, to take pictures inside the body;
• Echocardiogram – test, which uses sound waves (ultrasound), to examine the size, shape and motion of the heart;
• Pulmonary function tests, measuring lung function;
• The X-ray study of lung function – test, which analyzes the movement of blood and air through the lungs;
• Heart catheterization – special tool inserted into the heart through a vein or artery (usually in the arm or leg), to detect problems with the heart and its blood supply.

There is a shortage of donors, so you can expect a transplant for a long period of time. You advisable to wear a cell phone, so the doctor can reach you, if donor organs become available. In some cases, a healthy family member can donate light, if you need only a single lung transplant.

In the run-up to the procedure:

• We need to organize a trip for the operation and back home from the hospital. Besides, We need to organize care at home;
• You can not take a new medication without consulting your doctor;
• Consult your doctor about the drugs taken. A week before surgery you may be asked to stop taking some medicines:
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs (eg, aspirin);
  • Blood thinners, such as clopidogrel (Plaviks) or warfarin;
• The night before the operation can eat a light meal. Do not eat or drink for the night.

Anesthesia

Used general anesthesia, which blocks and supports the patient's pain during the operation in sleep. Administered intravenously in the arm or hand.

Procedure lung transplant

For transplanting one lung doctor will make an incision side, having receded approximately 15 see below the armpits. Both lungs for transplantation physician will make an incision across the lower part of the thorax.

You will be connected to a heart-lung machine (AIK) and mechanical ventilation. This device performs the function of the heart and lungs during surgery. Next, the doctor will remove a small portion of ribs. This will allow you to access your easy. The old light will be separated from the main blood vessels and bronchi. Then insert the new light, then the doctor one returns to them the blood vessels and bronchi.

Immediately after lung transplant

You will be in an intensive care unit (ORIT) during 2-3 days. The doctor and nurses will monitor vital signs.

How long does it take for lung transplant?

• 4-8 hours for transplanting one lung;
• 6-12 hours for a double lung transplant.

Lung transplantation – Will it hurt?

The pain will be felt during recovery. The doctor will give pain medicine.

The average time of stay in the hospital after lung transplantation

This operation is performed in a hospital. Usually the duration of stay of 7-10 days. The doctor can extend the period of stay, If there are signs of rejection of donor organs, or any other problems.

Care after lung transplantation

Ask the doctor, when it is safe to shower, bathe, or to expose the surgical site to water.

The rest of his life, perform the following actions for maintenance of health of new lung or lungs:

• Take immunosuppressive drugs. These drugs help prevent rejection of the new light;
• Regular runs lung biopsy. A sample of lung tissue is selected through at regular intervals, to check its deviation:
  • Every three months in the first year after transplantation;
  • Twice a year for the second year;
  • Once a year in subsequent years;
• Perform blood tests;
• Regularly measure the temperature, weight and blood pressure;
• Need to make lifestyle changes, such as:
  • Avoid exposure to tobacco smoke and other toxic elements;
  • Exercise to maintain lung capacity;
  • Limit salt intake, foods that are high in fat and cholesterol, sweets and alcohol.

Recovery after lung transplant takes about six months.

Communication with a physician after lung transplant

After discharge from the hospital need to see a doctor, If the following symptoms:

Signs of infection, including fever, chills – because you are at increased risk of infection due to receive immunosuppressive drugs;

• Redness, edema, increased pain, bleeding or discharge from the incision;
• Cough, breathlessness, chest pain, or severe nausea or vomiting;
• Increased secretion of phlegm (mucus);
• Coughing up blood;
• Waking up at night due to shortness of breath;
• Sudden headache or feeling of weakness;
• Changes in weight or blood pressure;
• Chest pain or palpitations, the absence of heartbeats, the feeling passes heartbeats;
• Pain, burning, frequent urination or persistent bleeding in the urine;
• Excessive fatigue and swelling of the feet.