Single lung transplantation. Surgical experiences with the first seven patients

Scand J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 1992;26(3):163-8. doi: 10.3109/14017439209099073.

Abstract

Seven single lung transplants are reported. The patients were severely disabled and oxygen dependent below sixty years of age with a poor prognosis. Diagnosis were alfa 1-antitrypsin deficiency (3), sarcoidosis (3) and idiopathic emphysema (1). Multiorgan-harvesting including six hearts, was performed in local or distant hospitals (3). Partial cardiopulmonary bypass simplified transplantation. The surgical procedure was modified with a direct transpericardial approach. Soft tissue wrapping by a vascularized pedicle secured the bronchial anastomosis. The four drug immunosuppressive regimen included cyclosporin A, azathioprine, steroids and antithymocyte globulin. Primary graft function was excellent. Six patients survived the postoperative period and are alive 5-19 months post transplant. Transbronchial biopsies and lung function studies have been helpful in detecting pulmonary rejections. Patient rehabilitation is satisfactory in most patients with improvement in physiologic parameters.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Blood Pressure / physiology
  • Female
  • Forced Expiratory Volume / physiology
  • Graft Rejection / etiology
  • Humans
  • Lung Diseases / surgery
  • Lung Transplantation* / adverse effects
  • Lung Transplantation* / methods
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pulmonary Artery / physiology
  • Sarcoidosis / surgery
  • Surgical Wound Infection / etiology
  • Survival Rate
  • Vascular Resistance / physiology
  • alpha 1-Antitrypsin Deficiency