A lung transplant is a surgical procedure to replace a diseased or failing lung with a healthy lung, usually from a deceased donor.

What are the indications of lung transplant?
A lung transplant is reserved for people who have tried other medications or treatments, but their conditions haven't sufficiently improved. Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis and idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension are the patients who are likely to get a lung transplant.

Who cannot receive a lung transplant?
Patients with malignancies, active infections, other organ failures cannot receive a lung transplant.

Pre transplant procedures
Lung transplant involves lots of tests that need to be performed to confirm the health status of the patient. Also a lot of lifestyle modifications have to be made well in advance of the transplantation. You should be always ready for the transplant as you never know when you will be called.

Transplant surgery
Lung transplant is performed under general anesthesia .An incision is made on the chest depending on the side in which the lung is transplanted. The failed lung/lungs are removed and the donor lung is transplanted and all the blood vessels and airways are connected.

After the transplant
You will be able to leave the hospital within two weeks. Immunosuppressants, the medication that prevents your body from rejecting the lung has to be taken daily without fail. You will have to strictly adhere to the diet, medications, lifestyle modifications and follow ups as prescribed to stay without complications.