Surgical aspects of single lung transplantation.
Single lung transplantation is a viable therapeutic option for selected patients with end-stage lung disease. The techniques described, in conjunction with rigorous preoperative physiotherapy, diligent postoperative care, immunosuppression with early avoidance of steroids, and postoperative rehabilitation, have resulted in a gratifying rate of success. Transplantation of the lung involves not a mere technical transfer of the organ from one body to another. It is a complex logistic undertaking requiring a large team of professionals who attend to the many essential components including patient selection, preoperative rehabilitation, donor selection, postoperative care, immunosuppression, rehabilitation, and long-term follow-up. The operation itself represents an integral, but small, component.
Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill School of Medicine.
T M
TM
Egan
J D
JD
Cooper
D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008173:Lung Diseases, Obstructive / Q000601:surgery; D016040:Lung Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged