Double Lung Transplant

What Is a Double Lung Transplant?

A double lung transplant (bilateral lung transplant) is a life-saving surgery where both diseased lungs are replaced with healthy donor lungs. It’s primarily for patients with end-stage lung failure who haven’t improved with other treatments.

Conditions That May Require a Double Lung Transplant:

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
Cystic Fibrosis
Pulmonary Fibrosis
Pulmonary Hypertension
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency

Single vs. Double Lung..

The Transplant Process: Step-by-Step

1. Evaluation & Waiting List

• Medical tests (CT scans, blood work, heart evaluation).
• Psychological assessment to ensure readiness.
• Added to UNOS (US) or local transplant registry.

2. The Surgery (6–12 hours)

• General anesthesia.
• Incision (clamshell or sternotomy).
• Diseased lungs removed, donor lungs connected.

3. Post-Surgery ICU Care

• Ventilator support (1–3 days).
• Immunosuppressants to prevent rejection.

4. Recovery & Rehabilitation

• Hospital stay: 2–4 weeks.
• Pulmonary rehab (breathing exercises, strength training).

Success Rates & Life Expectancy

• 1-year survival: ~90%
• 5-year survival: ~50–60%
• Longest survivors: 20+ years

(Depends on age, underlying condition, and post-op care.)

Risks & Complications

Organ rejection (acute or chronic)
Infections (bacterial, fungal, or viral)
Bronchiolitis Obliterans Syndrome (BOS) (chronic rejection)
Side effects of immunosuppressants (kidney damage, diabetes)

Life After a Lung Transplant

• Lifelong medications (anti-rejection drugs).
• Regular check-ups (biopsies, lung function tests).
• Avoid infections (masks in crowds, no smoking).
• Gradual return to normal activities (some patients run marathons!).

How to Become a Lung Donor

• Register as an organ donor in your country.
• Living lobar donation (rare, partial lung donation).

Conclusion

A double lung transplant can dramatically improve quality of life for end-stage lung disease patients. While risky, advances in surgery and immunosuppression continue to improve outcomes.