Lung transplantation assessment in a patient with COPD: a case study

This article focuses on the lung transplant assessment process for a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It explains the investigations undertaken and their relevance in the context of transplantation. For a patient to be accepted onto the lung transplant waiting list, it is important to establish that their lung disease is severe enough to warrant transplantation, while ensuring that the patient is well enough to undergo the procedure with the potential for a good subsequent quality of life. The article also explores the importance of supportive care, symptom management and psychosocial assessment in potential lung transplant recipients.