[Expert consensus on airway complications after lung transplantation]

Lung transplantation is the only effective treatment for end-stage pulmonary disease. As surgical techniques and post-operative management protocols have been optimised, the number of lung transplantations has steadily increased worldwide. Airway complications (AC), which include airway stenosis, tracheobronchomalacia, ischemic necrosis, and anastomotic leaks, are one of the most common complications following lung transplantation, with an overall incidence ranging from 15% to 20%. These complications have a significant impact on the quality of life and survival rate of transplant recipients, with airway stenosis being the most common. In lung transplant recipients, AC can affect both large and small airways, with the majority of large airway complications occurring within the first year after surgery. This consensus focuses specifically on AC of large airways. It is widely recognized that impaired bronchial blood supply is a common underlying cause of AC due to a variety of factors. The post-transplant management of AC, particularly the technical requirements for specialized interventional procedures, remains a major challenge. Currently, there is no standardized diagnostic and therapeutic approach within the country. This consensus aims to unify and propose guidelines on the diagnosis, treatment options, interventional strategies, methodologies, and key considerations for the management of AC after lung transplantation, with the hope of improving patient outcomes and serving as a reference for practitioners in the field.