Lung Transplant

What is the Lung Transplant Procedure?

The lung transplant procedure involves replacing one or both diseased lungs with healthy lungs from a donor. Surgeons carefully remove the damaged lungs and reconnect airways, blood vessels, and nerves to the new lungs. The operation is performed under general anaesthesia and typically lasts several hours, requiring intensive monitoring and specialised post-operative care.

A simple explanation for patients

Simply put, a lung transplant means the surgeon will remove your damaged lung(s) and replace them with healthy lungs from a donor, helping you breathe better and live a healthier life.

Why is Lung Transplant Surgery Needed?

Lung transplant surgery is recommended for patients with end-stage lung diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis, COPD, cystic fibrosis, or pulmonary hypertension, when medications and other treatments no longer provide relief. Without a transplant, these conditions often lead to severe breathing difficulties and life-threatening complications. Surgery offers renewed lung function and increased survival chances.

Common Reasons and Key Conditions Treated

• End-stage pulmonary fibrosis causes scarring and stiff lungs.

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with severe airflow limitation.

• Cystic fibrosis with progressive lung damage.

• Pulmonary hypertension with heart and lung strain.

• Lung damage due to infections or autoimmune diseases.

Why Choose Manipal Hospitals for Lung Transplant Surgery?

Considered as one of the best lung transplant hospitals, Manipal Hospitals International combines expert surgical teams with cutting-edge technology and personalised care to deliver successful lung transplants for international patients.

• Experienced transplant surgeons with high success rates.

• Advanced ICU facilities specialised in transplant care.

• Multidisciplinary support, including pulmonologists, physiotherapists, and nutritionists.

• Accreditations for quality and safety, like NABH and JCI.

• Comprehensive international patient assistance programs.

Indications for Lung Transplant Procedure

Candidates for lung transplant surgery procedure are usually patients with severe lung disease who meet specific clinical criteria and are suitable for major surgery.

• Severe lung function impairment documented by tests.

• Symptoms include severe breathlessness, fatigue, and oxygen dependence.

• Failure of maximal medical therapy.

• Good overall health to withstand surgery and rehabilitation.

• Commitment to long-term post-transplant care and immunosuppression.

Who Should Avoid or Delay Lung Transplant Surgery?

Patients with uncontrolled infections, certain cancers, or severe other organ dysfunction may not be candidates, or their surgery might need postponement until conditions improve.

• Active systemic infections or sepsis.

• Unresolvable organ failures other than the lungs.

• Untreated or advanced cancer.

• Poor nutritional or functional status.

Preparing for Lung Transplant Surgery

• Comprehensive pre-transplant evaluations, including pulmonary and cardiac testing.

• Blood tests, imaging, and specialist consultations.

• Physical fitness and nutrition optimisation.

• Education on immunosuppressants and post-operative care.

• Travel, accommodation, and family involvement planning for international patients.

What Will Happen During Lung Transplant Surgery?

On surgery day, you will be anaesthetised and connected to a ventilator. For a single lung transplant, a side chest incision is made, whereas double lung transplants or heart-lung transplants require a larger chest incision through the breastbone. The diseased lung(s) will be removed carefully, and the donor lung(s) will be attached by reconnecting blood vessels and airways. The surgery typically lasts between four and twelve hours, depending on complexity.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

• Administered general anaesthesia and positioned on the operating table.

• Incision made appropriate to transplant type, side chest or sternotomy.

• Removal of diseased lung(s) with precision to avoid injury.

• Donor lung(s) were carefully implanted and connected to blood vessels and airways.

• Ensure adequate blood flow and lung expansion post-implantation.

• Placement of drainage tubes to remove fluids and air.

• Close incision and transfer to the intensive care unit for monitoring.

Recovery After Lung Transplant Surgery

Recovery starts in the intensive care unit, where breathing support and vital functions are closely monitored. You will receive immunosuppressant medications to prevent organ rejection. Physical and respiratory therapies will help regain lung function. Most patients begin walking within days and stay hospitalised for several weeks. Long-term follow-up includes regular clinic visits and monitoring for rejection or infection, supported by teleconsultations for international patients.

Risks & Complications

Risks of lung transplant include rejection, infections, bleeding, and complications from immunosuppressive drugs. Our expert teams use strict protocols for monitoring and early intervention. Transparent communication and thorough evaluations help reduce risks.

Benefits of Lung Transplant Surgery

Lung transplantation offers renewed lung function, improved breathing, and increased lifespan for patients with severe lung diseases. It restores quality of life with better physical capacity, reduced symptoms, and allows many to return to everyday activities they once found difficult.

Cost of Lung Transplant Surgery in Manipal Hospitals

At Manipal Hospitals, the cost of lung transplant surgery is significantly more affordable than in many Western countries. The cost includes pre-transplant evaluations, surgery, hospitalisation, medications, and initial rehabilitation. Personalised pricing is offered after a medical assessment to suit individual patient needs.

International Patient Support at Manipal Hospitals

Comprehensive support is provided for international patients, including visa assistance, airport pickup, accommodation, language interpretation, dietary preferences, and insurance or TPA facilitation. Dedicated coordinators help manage all aspects of your treatment and recovery journey.