Lung Transplant Surgery
Once UNOS has found a match for you, it’s crucial we act quickly. So, knowing what comes next is crucial to the success of your transplant. That’s why we’ve outlined the steps that set the transplant process into motion to ensure timely use of your donated lung(s).
Ensuring Your Timely Transplant
When you’re excited or anxious, it easy to forget the details. But rest assured: Whether we’re on the other end of the phone line or at your bedside, we’ll support every step of the journey.
Getting the Call
The process begins when we get a call from UNOS. The moment we know we have a donor match for you, we’ll ask you to come to the hospital right away. From what to bring with you to exactly what to do when you arrive, your transplant coordinator will make sure you have all the information you need.
Prepping You for Surgery
When you arrive, your care team will set things in motion quickly, beginning with taking blood to ensure you’re healthy enough for surgery. While you’re getting ready, a team of transplant surgeons will inspect the donated lung(s). If they’re approved, the surgery will continue as planned. If they aren’t, the surgery will be canceled, and you will be returned to the UNOS waiting list.
Supporting You and Your Family During and After Your Transplant
Lung transplant surgery is done under general anesthesia and usually takes five to six hours. During the surgery, a transplant team member will keep your family informed and provide updates.
After surgery, you’ll be in the intensive care unit (ICU) for two to three days while a ventilator helps you breathe, and we need to keep you comfortable with pain medications. The first 24 to 48 hours after surgery are critical, so we’ll monitor you closely with the goal of removing the breathing tube as soon as possible. The faster we can get you sitting up and moving again, the better.
After the ICU, you’ll be moved to a less critical care unit, where you’ll stay for two to three weeks while we continue to care for you until you’re ready to go home. Most people leave the hospital without tubes or oxygen support, but you may need them to help you recover. If so, we’ll help you understand how to use them.
While you’re recovering, we’ll teach you and your family about your new medications, including how to take them and why they’re needed. We’ll also guide you on how to stay healthy and spot any symptoms you should tell your transplant team about.
Helping You Lower Your Risk of Complications
With any surgery, there are risks. But we’ll help you understand what they are and what to do if you see any signs after surgery.
Complications from lung transplantation may include:
- Bleeding
- Problems breathing
- Lung failure
If you experience any of these complications, you may need to stay in the hospital longer. You may also need rehabilitation to build up strength before you go home.
You can lower your risk for complications by staying healthy and strong before surgery. It’s also important to take immunosuppressive medication during and after your transplant. These drugs lower the risk of your body rejecting the new lung.
Learn more about your role in ensuring a successful transplant.