Lung transplantation in India: a possible treatment option

The burden of chronic respiratory diseases in India is on the rise, accounting for nearly 1 in 10 deaths. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is highly prevalent in India and is projected to be the third leading cause of deaths worldwide by 2020. Improved access to healthcare and better imaging modalities have led to an increase in the diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis and cystic fibrosis in India. For these end-stage lung diseases, lung transplantation is an effective and established treatment option in North America and Europe. The indications, techniques, outcomes and complications of lung transplantation are well documented. The criteria for recipient/donor selection are now better defined and the surgical technique has improved over the past 2 decades. Based on our experience of setting up a lung transplantation programme, we have outlined the resources required for the perioperative and postoperative management of such patients.