Outcomes and pulmonary function in living lobar lung transplant donors

Successful living-donor lobar lung transplantation (LDLLT) largely depends on donor outcome; however, there are few studies that have assessed outcomes of LDLLT donors, particularly pulmonary function. We investigated the outcomes and pulmonary function after donor lobectomy in LDLLT donors. Retrospective evaluation of consecutive 33 LDLLT donors was performed. Preoperative characteristics and perioperative and postoperative variables were investigated. Evaluation of pulmonary function 3, 6 and 12 months after donor lobectomy was performed prospectively. All donors were well alive after donor lobectomies. Morbidity was found in five donors (15%). Postoperative complications consisted of re-accumulation of pleural effusion requiring readmission in three donors and prolonged air leakage in two donors. Sacrifice of pulmonary arteries was performed in 20 donors (61%) with 1.4 ± 0.6 branches. Forced vital capacity was 77.8 ± 6.1%, 84.8 ± 6.0% and 89.4 ± 6.6% of the preoperative value 3, 6 and 12 months after donor lobectomy, respectively. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s was 80.5 ± 7.8%, 85.6 ± 8.9% and 89.3 ± 8.7% of the preoperative value 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Living-donor lobectomy was performed with low morbidity. Pulmonary function even after lobectomy was better preserved than expected.