After a Lung Transplantation

November 23 03:28 2021 by admin-blog-kh Print This Article

Your Life After the Lung Transplant

 For the next 3 months after a lung transplantation, you will be closely monitored over several follow-up sessions.

• Your transplant team will be looking for signs of any complication, including rejection of the new lungs by your body.
• This is done by blood tests, chest x-ray, ECG, lung function testing by bronchoscopy to check airway healing and by taking lung biopsies to check for rejection.
• For the rest of your life, you must take immunosuppressant drugs, supplements and some infection-preventive medications and adhere to a life-long care plan which includes close monitoring and annual vaccination.
• Lifestyle modifications include completely avoiding tobacco products, alcohol, recreational drugs and a diet high in fat, sugar or salt.
• You must continue to exercise regularly as per instructions given from time to time.
• All these will ensure that the risk of medication-induced diabetes, hypertension and weight-gain is minimized.

 Outlook

• If you or any of your loved ones are advised a lung transplant, do not panic.
• The first year after the transplant is critical and our success is 85-90% over the 1^st
• Once the first year is crossed successfully, the chances of complications are lower and the chances of survival are 65-70% at 5 years and at least 50% at 10 years.
• This means that the majority of our patients will survive at least 10 years and 25-30% are doing well at 20 years post-transplant even.
• You have to contrast this with an expected survival of less than 2-3 years for most of our patients who are on oxygen and having progressive lung damage.

At Kauvery Hospitals, we believe in scientific management with the best available care provided by a deeply personal commitment by tailoring treatments that will benefit you the most. Choosing lung transplantation involves a lifetime commitment to caring for yourself and your new lungs and our team at Kauvery Hospitals will be there guiding you every step of the way.

Please contact us at +91 9150277712 for approx. cost details.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long do I need to be monitored after a lung transplant?

You will be closely monitored for signs of complications, including rejection, for at least the first three months post-transplant.

2. What medications do I need to take after a lung transplant?

You will need to take immunosuppressant drugs, supplements, and infection-preventive medications for the rest of your life to prevent rejection and maintain lung health.

3. Can I resume normal activities after a lung transplant?

With proper care and guidance, you can resume regular activities, including exercise,  while avoiding tobacco, alcohol, and unhealthy diet choices.

4. What is the success rate of lung transplants?

The success rate of lung transplants is high, with an 85-90% success rate in the first year and at least 50% survival at 10 years post-transplant.

5. What lifestyle modifications are necessary post-transplant?

Lifestyle modifications include avoiding tobacco, alcohol, and recreational drugs, as well as maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise routine.

6. How long can I expect my transplanted lungs to last?

With proper care and adherence to medication and lifestyle guidelines, the majority of patients can expect their transplanted lungs to last at least 10 years, with some patients doing well even at 20 years post-transplant.

Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.

Chennai – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4003500 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 6801