Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lung Transplant?

Lung Transplant is called Pulmonary Transplantation. This is a surgical procedure where the damaged or diseased lung is replaced with a healthy lung from either alive or deceased donor. Depending on the medical condition of the patient, the doctor may recommend replacing either one or two lungs. In some cases, Lung Transplant is performed at the same time as a Heart Transplant. A living donor can donate only one lung lobe.

What are the advantages of Lung Transplant?

The advantages of Lung Transplant are as follows: 

1. Improves breathing ability.
2. Treats chronic lung diseases that are not responding to the medications.
3. Improves the quality of life of the patient.
4. Improves the health condition of the patient.

What are the indications of Lung Transplant?

Lung Transplant is indicated in the following conditions:

1. COPD [Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease]
2. Pulmonary fibrosis [scarring of lungs]
3. Pulmonary hypertension
4. Cystic fibrosis

What is the preparation for Lung Transplant?

The preparation for a lung transplant are as follows:

1. You may be asked about your present and past medical history and medication history.
2. The doctor may ask you to undergo different lab tests before the surgery.
3. Inform your doctor if you are using any blood thinners or pain killers.
4. You may be having some imaging tests to see the condition of the lung.
5. You may be advised to stop eating or drinking before 6 hours of the procedure.
6. Inform your doctor if you are allergic to anesthesia or to any known contrast dye.
7. Discuss all the risks, complications, and benefits associated with Liver Transplant surgery with your doctor.
8. You may be asked to sign the consent form before undergoing this procedure.

What are the steps involved in Lung Transplant?

The following are the steps involved in Lung Transplant surgery:

1. General anesthesia will be given to avoid pain during the surgery. 
2. The next step involves making an incision in the middle of the chest by your surgeon.
3. A cardiopulmonary bypass machine is connected. This machine is also called heart-lung surgery. It circulates oxygenated blood throughout the body while the surgical procedure is going on.
4. The diseased or damaged lungs are removed and the healthy, donor's lungs are replaced.
5. These donated lungs will be connected to the airways and blood vessels that are relevant.
6. After completion of this process, the surgeon will remove the heart-lung machine and the function of the lungs is monitored. Once the lungs are in good condition and are functioning well, the incision will be closed with the sutures and bandages and shifted to ICU.

What is the postprocedure care/recovery care for Lung Transplant?

1. After the surgery, you will be feeling very drowsy for the next few hours.
2. There may be pain and discomfort post-surgery. The doctor will prescribe some painkillers to reduce the pain.
3. Follow all the instructions given by the doctor without fail.  
4. You may have certain symptoms like feeling faintish or weak, chest pain, and/or shortness of breath which is common and can be discussed with your doctor if they are severe.
5. If bleeding is seen at the incision site, consult your doctor as soon as possible.
6. There should be follow-up visits to your doctor once in a while to monitor your condition.

Who can perform Lung Transplant [Right specialist type for Lung Transplant]?

Lung Transplant can be performed by:

1. Cardiothoracic Surgeon
2. Pulmonologist
3. Thoracic Surgeon

What is the cost of a Lung Transplant?

Cost of Lung Transplant depends on factors such as:

1. Admission fee
2. Doctor fee
3. Age of the patient.
4. Type of lung donor
5. The medical condition of the patient
6. Post-surgical complications that are involved
7. Type of hospital
8. The admission room that you opted for
9. Any other lab tests or examination tests such as X-ray, ECG, etc.

Minimum price in Delhi starts from Rs.13,65,000

Average expenses in Delhi is approximately Rs.17,85,000

Maximum cost in Delhi rises up to Rs.26,25,000

Cost of Unilateral Lung Transplant may be Rs.18,00,000

Cost of Bilateral Lung Transplant may be Rs.24,00,000

Is Lung Transplant major surgery or minor surgery?

Lung Transplant is a major surgical procedure as it involves partial or complete replacement of the damaged lung.

What is the eligibility criteria for Lung Transplant?

People who can undergo Lung Transplant are: 

1. Patient with advanced lung disease.
2. Patients who are not responding to medications.
3. Patients whose life expectancy is not more than 2-3 years without a lung transplant.

What is the ineligibility criteria for Lung Transplant?

People who cannot undergo Lung Transplant are:

1. Active infection
2. Cancer
3. Kidney disease
4. Liver disease
5. Heart disease
6. Alcohol
7. Smoking

What are the risks and complications associated with Lung Transplant?

Risks and Complications associated with Lung Transplant are as follows:

1. Rejection of the transplanted lung
2. Blood clots
3. Accumulation of fluid in lungs [Pulmonary edema]
4. Blockage of airways
5. Bleeding
6. Infection

How long does it take to complete Lung Transplant?

Lung Transplant may take almost 4 to 8 hours to complete. Sometimes it may take more than the usual time depending on the condition of the patient and severity of the damaged lung.

What is the recovery time?

Individuals who undergo Lung Transplant may take 3 to 6 months to recover completely.

What is the success rate of Lung Transplant?

The success rate of Lung Transplant depends on the following factors:

1. Age of the patient
2. The medical condition of the patient
3. Type of surgery performed

However, the success rate of Lung Transplant maybe 80%.

Is Lung Transplant painful?

Every surgery comes with a certain level of pain and some discomfort. You won't be experiencing pain during this process because you will be under general anesthesia. There may be some discomfort after the procedure.

Is Lung Transplant Permanent?

Lung Transplant is a permanent procedure and helps the patient to improve the quality of life and extends life expectancy.

What are the long-term results of Lung Transplant?

1. Improves breathing ability
2. Treats chronic lung disease

However, in some individuals, rejection of transplanted lung may occur.

What are the options if Lung Transplant fails?

If Lung Transplant fails, the doctor may recommend medications to treat the chronic disease until for revision surgery.

What are the alternatives for Lung Transplant? 

Some of the alternatives for Lung Transplant are:

1. Lung volume reduction surgery
2. Medications to treat damaged lung
3. Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction