A lung transplant in India can set you back about USD 30,000. The price varies depending on factors such as the kind of lung transplant, testing, diagnostic procedures, postoperative follow-up treatments, recuperation, rehabilitation, the level of ability of the surgeons, etc. From babies to seniors up to age 65, it may be done on practically all age groups.
Lung Transplantation Overview
A surgical operation known as a lung transplant replaces the damaged lungs whole or partially with healthy ones from a donor. It is done to improve quality of life and treat pulmonary diseases that have persisted for a long time. The treatment may require replacing one or both of your lungs, depending on your medical condition. In some circumstances, a donor’s heart and lungs can be transplanted together.
What Medical Problems Call for a Lung Transplant?
The respiratory system’s main and most important organs are the lungs. The body has a tough time obtaining the necessary amount of oxygen when the lungs are unhealthy. Your lungs can be harmed by a number of disorders that prevent them from working properly.
- Sarcoidosis: Breathing problems result from the formation of tiny clusters of inflammatory cells in the lungs.
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a lung condition that impairs breathing by obstructing airflow to the lungs.
- Blood pressure called pulmonary hypertension is a form that narrows the arteries in the lungs.
- Pulmonary fibrosis: A class of lung diseases that affects the respiratory system and is characterised by lung scarring.
- Cystic fibrosis is a hereditary, potentially fatal condition that affects the lungs, digestive system, and other bodily organs.
Lung Transplantation Types – Organ Transplantation
Transplantation of just one diseased lung is known as a single lung transplant.
- A double lung transplant is necessary when both lungs are compromised and must be replaced.
- The procedure known as a bilateral sequential transplant, or bilateral single transplant, entails the sequential transplantation of both lungs.
- Heart-Lung Transplant: In this situation, a single donor provided both the heart and the lungs.
A cadaveric transplant is one in which the organs being used are the patient’s own dead lungs. Those who are healthy and don’t smoke can donate a lobe, which is a piece of their lungs. A live transplant is what this procedure is known as.
What Potentially Influences Your Eligibility For A Lung Transplant?
Every patient with lung illness is not a candidate for a lung transplant. There are certain circumstances under which you might not be a good candidate for a lung transplant, including:
- A persistent infection
- Family cancer history
- Having additional, life-threatening conditions like heart or liver illness
- Unwilling to embrace healthy habits and a healthy lifestyle
Laws Regarding Lung Transplants!
Both the donor and the receiver would need to spend two to three weeks in India. Before providing final consent for the transplant, an authorization committee first interviews the donor and receiver. Both the donor and the receiver must be in possession of an affidavit, a certificate of no objection, or a letter of approval from their embassy in India attesting to the fact that the donor is giving the organ willingly and that there is no payment or exchange involved.
Taking The Initial Steps To Prepare For A Lung Transplant In India!
Here are some things to think about if your doctor suggests a lung transplant:
- Choosing a transplant facility that is suited for you and covered by your insurance will probably be your first step.
- Verify the center’s success rate and the number of transplants it does each year.
- Verify the center’s availability of extra services such nearby lodging for your period of rehabilitation, travel arrangements, and other information as may be useful.
After deciding on a lung transplant, you will likely go through a thorough assessment procedure, which may include:
- Diagnostic procedures and testing: These include X-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds, lung biopsies, pulmonary function tests, and dental exams to assess the condition of the patient’s general health and lungs. Mammograms, gynaecological exams, and Pap tests are often administered to female patients.
- Blood testing: These tests are carried out to determine a suitable match. The likelihood of organ acceptance increases as a result.
- Give up Smoking: If you smoke, you need to put an end to it as soon as you can.
- Additional Assessment Tests: A lung transplant is a difficult procedure that may be stressful and expensive. To prevent any unfavourable effects from this transplant, family and friends should provide full support.
- Other preparations: Appropriate vaccination dosage to reduce the risk of infections that might harm the transplanted lung.
Looking For A Lung Donor
The transplant clinic will then add your name to a waiting list. It is terrible that there are significantly more individuals waiting for a donation than there are donors available, and that some of them pass away before their time comes.
The transplant team constantly analyses your general health at regular intervals while your name is registered and provides you with alternative treatments. You might need to adopt a healthy lifestyle, consume nutritious food, abstain from using cigarettes, stop smoking, and engage in regular exercise. Also, you might take part in a pulmonary rehabilitation programme to aid with your breathing issues.
When You Discover A Donor, What To Do
For the best results, the specified criterion should be followed when a donor is available. This comprises:
- Size of the blood type organs in relation to the chest cavity
- General health of the recipient
- Origin of the donor
What Takes Place During a Lung Transplant?
The experts will explain the procedure to you or a member of your family before the transplant procedure starts and will address any questions you may have. Eight hours before the procedure, your doctor will instruct you to abstain from food and liquids. The standard practise followed by the transplant team is described below:
Step 1: While a lung transplant is a challenging medical process, the first step is general anaesthesia. This keeps you unconscious and asleep throughout the procedure.
Step 2: Ventilator Support: The respiratory system’s key organ, the lung, is being cared for in this instance. Your doctor will thus medication you for other physiological functions and place you on a ventilator to assist you breathe.
Step 3: Incision: The surgeon now makes an incision and exposes the chest, exposing the major blood arteries and airways.
Step 4: Removal Step: The surgeon now takes out the sick lung.
Step 5: The surgeon closes the wound, rejoins the blood vessels, and attaches the healthy organ.
Procedure of a Lung Transplant:
Transplantation-Related Postoperative Complications!
The risks associated with a lung transplant are similar to those of any major operation. This could comprise:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- lungs filled with fluid, severe pulmonary edoema
- clots in the blood can form
- organ refusal
- restricted airways
- obstructed blood arteries in the lung transplant
Too read more:- Medical Journals