Simultaneous single lobar lung transplantation and contralateral lung volume reduction.

Area of Science:

• Thoracic Surgery
• Pulmonary Medicine
• Transplantation Immunology

Background:

• Lung transplantation (LTx) and lung volume reduction surgery are standard treatments for end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Unilateral LTx is performed due to donor scarcity, but native lung hyperinflation can negatively impact the transplanted lung.
• Protecting the graft in single-lobe transplantation is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a novel surgical approach for a juvenile patient with emphysema.
• To describe the simultaneous living-donor, single-lobe LTx with contralateral lung volume reduction.
• To highlight a strategy for mitigating native lung hyperinflation after unilateral LTx.

Main Methods:

• A juvenile patient with emphysema underwent a simultaneous procedure.
• Living-donor, single-lobe lung transplantation was performed.
• Volume reduction surgery was conducted on the remaining native lung.

Main Results:

• The patient successfully underwent the combined surgical procedure.
• The approach aimed to prevent hyperinflation of the native lung, protecting the graft.
• This case demonstrates the feasibility of this combined technique in a young patient.

Conclusions:

• Simultaneous living-donor, single-lobe LTx with contralateral lung volume reduction is a viable option for select patients.
• This technique may offer a protective strategy against graft compromise due to native lung hyperinflation.
• Further research is warranted to evaluate the long-term outcomes of this combined approach.