Lung transplant is a complex surgical procedure that involves replacing a damaged or diseased lung with a healthy lung from a donor. This procedure is usually recommended for patients with end-stage lung disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, or pulmonary hypertension. Lung transplant in India can improve the quality of life and extend the lifespan of patients with severe lung disease who have exhausted all other treatment options.
India has made significant progress in the field of lung transplant over the past few years, with several centers now offering this procedure. In this article, we will discuss the process of lung transplant in India, the eligibility criteria, the cost of the procedure, and the success rate.
Procedure of Lung Transplant in India
- The Procedure of lung transplant in India involves several stages, starting with the evaluation of the patient’s condition and eligibility for the procedure. This evaluation includes a thorough medical history, physical examination, and several tests, such as chest X-ray, pulmonary function tests, CT scan, and blood tests. The patient will also undergo psychological evaluation and counseling to assess their readiness for the procedure.
- Once the patient is deemed eligible for lung transplant, they will be put on a waiting list for a suitable donor lung. The waiting time for a donor lung can vary depending on factors such as the patient’s blood type, size, and severity of their condition, and the availability of donor organs.
- When a suitable donor lung becomes available, the patient will be called in for the surgery. The surgery usually takes several hours, during which the patient is under general anesthesia. The surgeon will remove the damaged lung and replace it with the donor lung, and then connect the blood vessels and airways to the new lung.
- After the surgery, the patient will be moved to the intensive care unit (ICU) for several days, where they will be closely monitored and given medications to prevent rejection of the new lung. The patient will then be transferred to a regular hospital room for further recovery and rehabilitation. The length of hospital stay can vary from a few weeks to several months, depending on the patient’s progress and any complications that may arise.
Eligibility Criteria for Lung Transplant in India
To be eligible for lung transplant in India, the patient must meet certain criteria, including:
- Severe end-stage lung disease with a life expectancy of less than two years
- Failure of all other medical and surgical treatments
- No active infections or malignancies
- Good overall health and no significant commodities
- Willingness and ability to comply with post-transplant care and follow-up requirements
The eligibility criteria may vary slightly depending on the specific center and the individual patient’s condition.
Types of Lung Transplant
- Single Lung Transplant (SLT): Single lung transplant involves replacing one diseased or damaged lung with a healthy lung from a donor. This procedure is often recommended for patients with lung disease that affects only one lung, such as emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or pulmonary fibrosis.
- Double Lung Transplant (DLT): Double lung transplant involves replacing both diseased or damaged lungs with healthy lungs from a donor. This procedure is often recommended for patients with lung disease that affects both lungs, such as cystic fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
In some cases, a combination of single and double lung transplant may be performed, depending on the patient’s specific condition and needs. This is known as a bilateral sequential lung transplant, where a single lung transplant is performed initially followed by the second transplant after some time.
Cost of Lung Transplant in India
The cost of lung transplant in India can vary widely depending on several factors, such as the hospital, the surgeon’s fees, the length of hospital stay, and any complications that may arise. On average, the cost of lung transplant in India can range from Rs. 50 lakhs to Rs. 80 lakhs (approximately $67,000 to $108,000).
Some hospitals may offer financial assistance or insurance coverage for lung transplant, so it is important to discuss the cost and payment options with the hospital before undergoing the procedure.
Success Rate of Lung Transplant in India
The success rate of lung transplant in India has improved significantly over the years, thanks to advancements in surgical techniques, post-operative care, and immunosuppressive medications.
According to a study published in the Indian Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, the overall survival rate after lung transplant in India was 72.4% at one year and 56.9% at three years. The study also reported that the survival rate was higher for patients who received a single lung transplant compared to those who received a double lung transplant. The most common cause of death after lung transplant was infection, followed by chronic rejection and acute rejection.
Another study published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research reported a similar success rate of 70% at one year and 50% at five years after lung transplant in India. The study also reported that the most common indication for lung transplant in India was COPD, followed by interstitial lung disease and pulmonary fibrosis.
Factors that can affect the success rate of lung transplant include the patient’s age, underlying medical conditions, the severity of lung disease, the type of lung transplant (single or double), the quality of the donor lung, and the patient’s adherence to post-operative care and immunosuppressive medications.
Get in touch with EdhaCare to get best medical Tourism Company in India.