A failed lung requires a surgical procedure called lung transplant, i.e. a replacement of the failed lung with a healthy one. This procedure is especially beneficial and life-saving for those suffering from a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and to whom medications and other therapies no longer provide relief.

However, although a lung transplant is a life-saving surgery, it comes with numerous risks such as organ rejection and requires a long period of recovery. Still, in most severe COPD cases, the risk and the effort are worth it. Now, let’s have a closer look at everything you need to know about lung transplants for COPD.

How is a Lung Transplant Beneficial for COPD?

For those who aren’t familiar with the term, COPD refers to a group of respiratory conditions, like chronic bronchitis and emphysema, characterized by breathing difficulties. People with COPD experience chronic cough and congestion and may relieve their symptoms in the early stages with bronchodilators and other medications.

Unfortunately, once they reach stage 4 COPD, breathing becomes so difficult that a lung transplant, or lung volume reduction surgery, maybe the only option for improvement. In addition, if a person with severe COPD doesn’t get the surgery, he or she may develop other serious conditions like heart disease or lung cancer.

That said, a lung transplant can not only improve patients’ quality of life but also save their lives. Yet, there are many criteria for lung transplant eligibility, including:

• Being 60 years old or younger for a bilateral lung transplant
• Being 65 or younger for a single lung transplant
• Having an estimated survival of only a year and a half to two years
• Not suffering from other serious diseases and conditions
• Good medication adherence in the past
• Having good emotional stability
• Having a strong social support network

What are the Risks of a Lung Transplant for COPD?

As already noted, and as with any other surgical procedure, a lung transplant comes with several risks, both minor and life-threatening ones as it is a complicated surgery. Some risks linked to lung transplant surgery include:

• Blocked airways
• Blocked blood vessels in the lung
• Pulmonary edema (fluid buildup)
• Pulmonary embolism (blood clot)
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Organ rejection

Alternatively, one may decide to undergo a lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) in which doctors remove the most damaged lung tissue allowing the healthy portion to function more efficiently. LVRS is also found to be beneficial for COPD patients as it reduces mortality and helps improve quality of life.

What is the Outlook for a Lung Transplant for COPD?

The last question you may be interested in is ‘What are the survival percentage and long-term outlook of a lung transplant?’ Namely, a study showed that COPD patients who were at the end-stage of the condition and underwent the surgery survived longer compared to those who didn’t get a lung transplant. In other words, this surgical procedure helps patients live longer.

What’s more, end-stage COPD patients who had lung transplantation also reported better respiratory efficiency. Still, note that the survival benefits are greater in the case of bilateral lung transplants compared to single-lung transplantations.

Conclusion

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a serious condition making breathing difficult which leads to other complications. Although medications and therapies can be beneficial in the early stages, a lung transplant is the last opportunity for relieving symptoms and living longer for those who suffer from severe COPD. So, if you suffer from COPD ensure you consider a lung transplant.