Allocation of Donor Lungs in Korea

The expansion of indications for lung transplantation, the growth of the waiting list, and donor shortages are increasing the waiting list mortality rate in Korea. The current lung allocation system in Korea is based mainly on urgency, but outcomes should also be considered to avoid futile transplantation. This review describes the current status of, and issues with, the lung allocation system in Korea including donors, the waiting list, and transplant outcomes in the context of an aging society, in which the frequency of end-stage pulmonary disease is increasing.