A lung transplant is a surgical procedure that is performed on patients who are suffering from end-stage lung disease, an irreversible condition that can result from a number of disorders. A lung transplant is performed to replace a lung or pair of lungs that is unable to transfer oxygen and carbon dioxide to and away from cells. This may be the result of end-stage lung diseases, such as severe cases of emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension.

Contraindications for lung transplantation include: current infections, including HIV and hepatitis, current or recent cancer, age, chronic kidney, liver or heart diseases. Patient must undergo an extensive series of medical tests in order to evaluate his overall health status and suitability for transplant surgery.

A cadaveric lung transplant is when the lungs being transplanted are from someone who is “brain dead.” A “living donor” transplant is the surgical removal of a right lower lobe from one person and a left lower lobe from another person, and the placement of these lobes into the person receiving the transplant. In some cases where the heart has been weakened, both the heart and lungs will be replaced.

When a donor lung becomes available, time is critical. The lung must be transplanted into the patient receiving the organ within 4 to 6 hours. After the lung is removed from the donor, it is preserved and packed for transport. The patient is prepared for transplantation. This preparation involves administration of general anesthesia, and placement on an artificial breathing machine. A single lung transplant takes about four to eight hours, while a double lung transplant takes about six to twelve hours to complete.

After the transplantation patients must take immunosuppressive medication, or anti-rejection drugs to reduce the risk of rejection of the transplanted organ.

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