J Korean Soc Transplant.
2003 Jun;17(1):83-87.
Analysis of Complications of Lung and Heart- Lung Transplantations
- Affiliations
-
- 1Department of Thoracic & Cardiovascular Surgery, Yongdong Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. hcpaik@yumc.yonsei.ac.kr
Abstract
- PURPOSE
The lung and heart-lung transplantation is a life-saving procedure for end stage lung disease with or without congenital heart disease. The risk of infection and rejection is higher than other solid organ transplantations, and this study is to analyze the complications and its outcome in order to improve patient management and long term survival following lung and heart-lung transplantation.
METHODS
We have performed five lung transplantations and one heart-lung transplantation between July 1996 to December 2002 and we retrospectively reviewed medical records and analyzed early and late complications.
RESULTS
Total of 6 patients (4 male and 2 female) with mean age of 48.2 years old (range, 34~59) underwent transplantation. Emphysematous lung disease was the most common indication (3 patients-50%), followed by one case of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and 2 cases of Eisemmenger's syndrome. Four early complications occurred in 3 patients: one case each of CVA, prolonged air leak, acute heart rejection, and ulcer perforation. Seven late complications occurred in 6 patients: one case each of aspergillosis infection, pulmonary tuberculosis, post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disease, CMV gastritis, pneumonia, and gastric ulcer bleding.
CONCLUSION
Prompt detection of complications necessitating surgical interventions following thoracic organ transplantation is important for prolonged survival.
