[Unilateral vs. bilateral lung transplantation in obstructive pulmonary disease].
BACKGROUND
The question whether patients suffering from end-stage emphysema who are candidates for lung transplantation should be treated with a single lung or with a double lung transplantation is still unanswered.


METHODS
We reviewed 24 consecutive lung transplant procedures, comparing the results of 6 patients with an unilateral and 17 with a bilateral transplantation.


RESULTS
After bilateral transplantation the patients showed a trend towards better blood gas exchange with shorter time on ventilator and intensive care compared patients after unilateral procedure. Three-year-actuarial survival was higher in the group after bilateral transplantation (83% versus 67%). There was a continuous improvement in pulmonary function in both groups during the first months after transplantation. Vital capacity and forced exspiratory ventilation therapies during the first second were significantly higher in the bilateral transplant group.


CONCLUSIONS
Both unilateral and bilateral transplantation are feasible for patients with end-stage emphysema. Bilateral transplantation results in better pulmonary reserve capacity and faster rehabilitation.
Bartram
U
U
Abt. Kinderkardiologie, Klinikum der Universität Kiel.
Demertzis
S
S
Heilmann
M
M
Wahlers
T
T
Schäfers
H J
HJ
D000206:Actuarial Analysis; D000328:Adult; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D016041:Heart-Lung Transplantation; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016040:Lung Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008448:Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate; D008875:Middle Aged; D010100:Oxygen / Q000097:blood; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000401:mortality; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery*; D011656:Pulmonary Emphysema / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery; D011669:Pulmonary Wedge Pressure; D015996:Survival Rate; D014797:Vital Capacity
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D010100:Oxygen