Am I a Candidate for Lung Transplantation?
1. Indications (Who may be considered for transplantation?)
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Emphysema
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Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
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Primary pulmonary hypertension that continues to worsen despite medical treatment
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Bronchiectasis or cystic fibrosis
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Silicosis or other occupational lung diseases
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Eisenmenger syndrome caused by congenital heart disease
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Obliterative bronchiolitis
2. Contraindications (Who may not be suitable for transplantation?)
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Uncontrolled infections
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HIV infection
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Untreated or incompletely treated tuberculosis
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Active malignancy (cancer)
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Severe liver dysfunction
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Severe cerebrovascular or peripheral vascular disease
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Unstable psychological condition or inability to adhere to long-term medication
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Drug or alcohol addiction
Lung Transplant Waiting Process
1. Outpatient Consultation
Initial medical evaluation and discussion with the transplant team.
Initial medical evaluation and discussion with the transplant team.
2. Comprehensive Pre-transplant Evaluation
Completion of laboratory tests, imaging studies, and multidisciplinary consultations.
Completion of laboratory tests, imaging studies, and multidisciplinary consultations.
3. National Health Insurance Review
All medical information will be compiled and submitted to the National Health Insurance Administration for approval.
All medical information will be compiled and submitted to the National Health Insurance Administration for approval.
4. Waitlist Registration
After approval, the patient will be officially registered on the organ transplant waiting list.
After approval, the patient will be officially registered on the organ transplant waiting list.
5. Regular Follow-up
Patients will return for follow-up every three months to ensure their condition remains suitable for transplantation.
Patients will return for follow-up every three months to ensure their condition remains suitable for transplantation.
Surgical Procedure and Risks
1. Types of Lung Transplant Surgery
Single Lung Transplant
Often suitable for patients with pulmonary fibrosis.
Often suitable for patients with pulmonary fibrosis.
Double Lung Transplant
Typically recommended for patients with bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, or those with potential sources of infection.
Typically recommended for patients with bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, or those with potential sources of infection.
2. Surgical Risks and Survival
Potential risks include:
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Bleeding
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Infection
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Acute rejection
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Poor wound healing
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Suboptimal lung function after surgery
Life After Transplant: Long-Term Care and Medication
Proper post-transplant care is essential to maintain lung function and overall health.
Medication Adherence
Patients must take lifelong immunosuppressive medications (such as Tacrolimus, Cellcept, and steroids) to prevent rejection.
Patients must take lifelong immunosuppressive medications (such as Tacrolimus, Cellcept, and steroids) to prevent rejection.
Dietary Restrictions
Grapefruit, pomelo, and raw foods must be strictly avoided.
Grapefruit, pomelo, and raw foods must be strictly avoided.
Lifestyle Recommendations
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No smoking or alcohol consumption
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Maintain regular exercise
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Prevent constipation
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Control blood pressure
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Attend regular follow-up visits
