University of Virginia Health System

Lung Transplantation

The Transplant Procedure

When a lung becomes available the patient will be contacted by the program. Arrangements will be made to complete the transplant at the earliest possible moment in order to ensure that the organ is as fresh as possible. This ensures the greatest likelihood of success and good health in the newly transplanted lung.

The donor lung is tested for tissue compatability and other factors to ensure transplant health. Once the transplant surgeons are notified that the donated lung is of good quality and that the organ is compatible with the recipient, final preparations are completed for the surgery.

If the patient is receiving a single lung transplant, an incision will be made on the right or left side, depending on which lung is to be replaced. If the patient is having a bilateral lung transplant (that is, both the right and left lung are to be replaced) the incision will be across the chest just at the base of the breasts.

Once the new lung has been attached and the surgery completed, the patient will be taken to the Intensive Care Unit for recovery. The inpatient stay may be expected to require between 7 and 14 days.