[Lung transplantation in COPD]

Pulmonary transplantation can be performed as a treatment for panlobular emphysema. Young patients can benefit from pulmonary transplantation: double lung transplantation for patients aged less than 55 years and single lung transplantation for patients aged less than 60 years. Only patients with major functional impairment should be considered for transplantation. It is assessed by pulmonary function tests, but also by evaluating the intensity of dyspnea and the decreased quality of life. In emphysema, transplantation is the treatment of the respiratory handicap without decreased life expectancy. The results of pulmonary transplantation in emphysema are similar to that of other indications. Mean actuarial survival is 65% at one year, and 40% at four years. Quality of the survival should be considered in assessing the results of pulmonary transplantation. It is estimated that 50% of the surviving patients have a satisfactory improvement in the quality of life.