Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026
08:22
Orthotopic Left Lung Transplantation in Rats
Published on: July 3, 2025
Lung transplantation as the first choice in emphysema
M Delgado1, J M Borro, M M De La Torre
1Departament of Thoracic Surgery and Lung Transplantation, University Hospital A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain. mtorre@canalejo.org
Transplantation Proceedings
|September 1, 2009
Summary
Single lung transplantation is recommended for emphysema patients, showing similar survival and complication rates to double lung transplants but with fewer intraoperative complications. This approach may be combined with other surgical options for improved outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Thoracic Surgery
- Transplantation Immunology
Background:
- Pulmonary emphysema management often involves complex decisions regarding lung transplantation.
- The choice between single and double lung transplantation for emphysema remains a subject of ongoing clinical debate.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare perioperative complications, survival rates, and quality of life between single and double lung transplantation in emphysema patients.
- To provide evidence-based guidance for surgical decision-making in lung transplantation for emphysema.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 62 emphysema patients who underwent lung transplantation between 1999 and 2008.
- Comparison of survival using Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests.
- Assessment of postoperative complications, including bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS), acute rejection, infections, and intraoperative events, using Pearson chi-square test.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in 5-year survival rates (59% single vs. 56% double) or rates of BOS, acute rejection, and infections were observed between single and double lung transplantation groups.
- Intraoperative complications were significantly more frequent in the double lung transplantation group (54%) compared to the single lung transplantation group (27.6%) (P = .032).
Conclusions:
- Single lung transplantation is favored as the primary treatment for emphysema, offering comparable long-term outcomes to double lung transplantation.
- Consideration for complementary procedures, such as volume reduction surgery or contralateral lung transplantation, may further optimize patient management.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema
Emphysema, a major phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is characterized by irreversible destruction of alveolar walls and permanent enlargement of distal airspaces. Unlike chronic bronchitis, which primarily affects the airways, emphysema predominantly involves the lung parenchyma, where structural damage leads to airflow limitation.PathophysiologyIt most commonly results from prolonged exposure to cigarette smoke and other toxic gases, particularly cigarette smoke.
01:28Kidney Transplant I: Introduction
A kidney transplant is a surgical approach that involves replacing a non-functioning kidney with a healthy one from a donor. This procedure is often a treatment option for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. The method requires careful recipient selection, including evaluating various medical and psychosocial factors. These criteria vary between transplant centers but generally include assessments of the patient's overall health, adherence to medical recommendations, and lifestyle...