Lung Transplantation

Lung transplantation is an appropriate therapeutic option for select patients with end-stage lung diseases and offers the possibility of improved quality of life and longer survival. Unfortunately, the transplant recipient is at risk for numerous immunologic, infectious, and medical complications that threaten both of these goals. Median survival after lung transplantation is approximately 6 years. Optimizing outcomes requires close partnership between the patient, transplant center, and primary medical team. Early referral to a transplant center should be considered for patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and related interstitial lung diseases due to risk of acute exacerbation and accelerated development of respiratory failure.