Cystic fibrosis patients have the option of undergoing a lung transplant in an attempt to extend their lifespan. A lung transplant will remove the lung or lungs riled by the disease and implant lungs that are healthier. The healthier lungs are donated by a deceased person who recently passed away, which is another reason why becoming an organ donor is important.
There is also another procedure which is call the living lobar transplant. This is a procedure that is done with a living donor. This surgery entails taking two living donors and removing the lower section of one of their lungs. This section is also called the lobe of the lung. The living donors could be related to the cystic fibrosis patient, but don’t have to be. The two lobes are then transplanted into the cystic fibrosis patient, and the lower lobes of his or her lungs are removed.
A living lobar transplant is very complicated, simply because it involves not one, but two, living donors. For this reason, it is preformed much less than lung transplants involving a deceased donor.
How long will a Cystic Fibrosis Patient be in the Hospital?
Once the lung transplant is complete, the cystic fibrosis patient will be placed on a ventilator that will breathe for them. This is done to help the lungs and body adjust to each other along with giving the body time to heal. If no complications arise, the patient will only be on the ventilator for about 3-4 days. The patient can expect to be kept at the hospital for anywhere from 2- 4 weeks once the transplant is complete so they can have around the clock care and medical staff on hand if any complications should arise. While this might be a long time to be in the hospital, it is better to be in a medical facility after such a major surgery.
How long will this Extend the Patient’s Life?
As with all procedures, the outcomes will vary from person to person and case to case. Studies have shown that out of 100 patients who are eligible to receive donor lungs and undergo a lung transplant, at least 70 of them will live over a year. Out of those 70, at least 45 of them will live at least another 5 years after the procedure. That means that about 50 percent of the people who undergo a lung transplant will add about 5 years to their life.
You should know that there are several things that you need to consider when undergoing a lung transplant. Even though a cystic fibrosis patient has a lung transplant, it does not help with any other area that is affected by the disease. In general, lung transplants are only offered to patients who have severe damage on their lungs, because of all of the risk factors that are associated with the procedure. business logistics
If you are deemed to be a good candidate to have a lung transplant by the United Network for Organ Sharing, you might be lucky and only have to wait for as little as 3 months, but others have been waiting up to 4 years for a donor match. The guidelines set by the United Network for Organ Sharing are constantly changing, but you can check this link: UNOS to see if you or your loved one qualifies for a transplant.