Lung transplantation in recipients aged ≥70 years: a single-center experience

The suitability of lung transplantation (LTx) in recipients aged ≥70 years remains debated, despite reports of acceptable outcomes in selected elderly patients among other solid-organ transplantations. We retrospectively analyzed all LTx procedures performed in this age group within the Prague Lung Transplant Program between January 2012 and July 2025. Twelve patients aged ≥70 years underwent double (n = 5) or single (n = 7) LTx. The median age was 70.3 years. Indications were interstitial pulmonary disease (n = 7) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (n = 5). Median waiting time was 199.5 days. Primary graft dysfunction grade 2 occurred in 2 patients, with no cases of grade 3. Median ICU and hospital lengths of stay were 10 and 21.5 days, respectively. One-month and 1-year survival rates were 91.7% and 73%. These data indicate that LTx in carefully selected septuagenarian recipients can achieve favorable short-term outcomes.