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Contralateral pneumonectomy after single-lung transplantation for emphysema
R J Novick1, A H Menkis, D Sandler
1Division of Cardiovascular-Thoracic Surgery, University Hospital, London, Ontario, Canada.
The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|December 1, 1991
Summary
Survival is possible with one transplanted lung after a patient developed an air leak post-single-lung transplant. This case demonstrates successful outcomes following sequential pneumonectomies, highlighting quality of life preservation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Pulmonary Medicine
Background:
- Single-lung transplantation is a critical intervention for end-stage lung diseases like emphysema.
- Contralateral air leaks pose significant challenges post-transplantation, potentially jeopardizing graft function and patient survival.
Observation:
- A 46-year-old female recipient of a right single-lung transplant for emphysema experienced an intractable contralateral air leak.
- The development of the air leak necessitated a left pneumonectomy on postoperative day 17, leaving the patient with a single transplanted lung.
Findings:
- The patient demonstrated a remarkable recovery, maintaining satisfactory pulmonary function 15 months after the procedure.
- This clinical course indicates that survival with a good quality of life is achievable even after undergoing bilateral sequential pneumonectomies post-transplant.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for successful long-term outcomes in lung transplant recipients who require subsequent pneumonectomies due to complications.
- It suggests that single-lung transplantation followed by contralateral pneumonectomy can be a viable strategy for managing intractable air leaks, preserving pulmonary function and patient well-being.