Lung transplant

Expectations after surgery:

Lung transplant is an extreme measure for patients with life-threatening lung disease or damage. Current survival rates are as high as 80% at 1 year following transplantation and 60% at 4 years.

Fighting rejection is an ongoing process. The body's immune system considers the transplanted organ as an invader (much like an infection) and fights it. To prevent rejection, organ transplant patients must take anti-rejection (immunosuppression) drugs (such as cyclosporine and corticosteroids) that reduce (suppress) the body's immune response and reduce the chance of rejection. These drugs also reduce the body's natural ability to fight off various infections.

Convalescence:

An extended hospital stay should be expected. The recovery period is about 6 months. Frequent check-ups with blood tests and Xray tests will be necessary for years.