What is the life expectancy of patient after double lung transplantation?

Posted on Tue, 24 May 2016

Question: Dr. Rynne...One of my best friends who is 57 years old was diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis last May.....he was fortunate enough to receive a double lung transplant today at UT Southwestern Medical Center. He is in ICU on a respirator....the transplant team said the surgery went well and the new lungs are a good fit....What are some things I can do to support his recovery and rehab...? What are his chances of long term survival? What are the immediate post-op risks? This is a very emotional time for his friends and family....any advice you can give would be appreciated..

Answered by Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (43 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Good risk to benefit ratio. Lets hope for the best

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for asking

I read your question and i understand your concern. In advanced stage lung diseases, lung transplantation is inevitable. It has a good risk to benefit ratio and minimum of 2 years of survival chances.He will need lifelong immunosuppressant therapy. As it is an immunosuppressed state after transplant, infection like HIV, CMV , hepatitis or any other respiratory infection etc may limit the survival. All you can do is to wait and see as recovery takes time and with age of 57 it is difficult to achieve early. Keep supporting them and hope for the best.

I hope it helps. Take good care of your friend and dont forget to close the discussion please.

Regards
Khan

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar