Lung transplantation is that delicate surgical procedure that involves the replacement of one or both of the original lungs, in people with late-stage lung disease and no longer treatable in any other way .
To be more precise, the main pathological conditions that could make lung transplantation indispensable are: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD ), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, idiopathic pulmonary hypertension, sarcoidosis and deficit of alpha 1-antitrypsin .
The replacement of the diseased lungs or, obviously, takes place with similar healthy elements and the collection can be performed either by recently dead donors or by living donors .
In order to be included in the waiting lists for a lung transplant, the possible candidates must undergo a thorough clinical investigation . The latter includes a considerable number of examinations and has the purpose of verifying the psycho-physical suitability for transplantation .
The tests that doctors use are:
- Blood and lung tissue examination . The typing of the blood and the tissue that makes up the lungs allows doctors to understand which is the most compatible donor. In fact, readers are reminded that the greater the blood and tissue compatibility between recipient and donor, the lower the risk of rejection (or lesser effects).
- A chest radiograph (Rx-thorax). It aims to outline the size of the lungs and the size of the chest cavity. For the success of the operation, a certain similarity between the recipient and the donor is needed.
- A measure of lung function .
- A CT scan (computerized axial tomography) of the chest and abdomen.
- A radionuclid angiography .
- A pulmonary scintigraphy (or V / Q scan or fan-perfusory scintigraphy ).
- An electrocardiogram, a normal echocardiography and, if necessary, also an effort echocardiography . They aim to establish the state of heart health. In fact, several patients who need a lung transplant also need a heart transplant.
- An analysis of the psychological profile .
