Lung Transplant

Lung transplantation involves removing the diseased lung or lungs from the recipient and replacing either one (single lung transplant) or both (bilateral lung transplant) with healthy ones from a recently deceased donor. Lung transplantation represents the best hope for patients with end-stage lung disease as it can offer patients better quality of life after the transplant.

Donors are individuals who are brain-dead, meaning that the brain shows no signs of life while the person’s body is being kept alive by artificial means. Donors have often died as a result of a road accident, stroke or severe head injury. Since not enough organs are available for transplant, patients may wait for months for a transplant and some do not survive the wait. 

For lung patients, the candidates will be strongly urged to participate in a pulmonary rehabilitation programme. Such a programme of monitored physical exercise will help build strength and endurance in preparation for the transplant and increase the chances of a successful outcome following the transplant.