[Surgical aspects of (cardio) pulmonary transplantation]

INTRODUCTION AND STATE OF THE ART: Both short and long-term outcomes following lung transplantation have improved substantially in recent years as a result of advances in the selection and management of donors, organ preservation, immunosuppressive therapy, and the treatment of infectious and malignant complications. In addition surgical techniques have evolved over time and have contributed to this increase in success rates.

This review outlines surgical aspects of lung transplantation including a historical note, techniques of lung harvesting, some anaesthetic considerations, the different transplant types and incisions, as well as anastomotic techniques and their pitfalls.