Lung Transplant in Hyderabad | Dr. Ratna Babu Kollabattula

Lung Transplant in India

Lung transplantation is a complex surgical procedure to replace one or both diseased lungs with healthy lungs from a deceased donor. It's considered when all other treatment options have failed and the patient's lung function is severely compromised.

Did You Know?

India performs about 50-60 lung transplants annually, with success rates comparable to international centers.

When is a Lung Transplant Needed?

Transplant is considered for end-stage lung diseases when:

Lung Function

FEV1 < 25% predicted
DLCO < 20% predicted
On supplemental oxygen

Disease Progression

Frequent hospitalizations
Rapid decline in function
Pulmonary hypertension
Right heart failure

Failed Treatments

Maximal medical therapy
No response to medications
Not candidate for other surgeries

Conditions Treated with Transplant

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Most common reason for transplant in India. Considered when:

FEV1 < 25% predicted
PaCO2 > 50 mmHg
Pulmonary hypertension

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)

Second most common indication. Urgent evaluation needed for:

DLCO < 40% predicted
10% FVC decline in 6 months
Desaturation < 88% on 6MWT

Cystic Fibrosis

Common in younger patients. Indicators include:

FEV1 < 30% predicted
Frequent exacerbations
Life expectancy < 2 years

Other Conditions

Pulmonary hypertension
Bronchiectasis
Sarcoidosis
Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM)

Evaluation & Transplant Process

1. Referral & Initial Assessment

Pulmonologist referral → Review of medical records → Determination of potential candidacy

2. Comprehensive Evaluation (2-5 days)

Includes pulmonary function tests, CT scans, heart evaluation, blood tests, and psychosocial assessment

3. Transplant Committee Review

Multidisciplinary team determines listing status and transplant type (single/double)

4. Waitlist Registration

Average wait time in India: 6-18 months depending on blood type and size match

5. Donor Matching & Surgery

8-12 hour surgery with 2-4 weeks ICU recovery

6. Lifelong Follow-up

Immunosuppression medications and regular monitoring to prevent rejection

Outcomes & Survival Rates

Survival Statistics

1-year survival: 80-85%
3-year survival: 60-65%
5-year survival: 50-55%
10-year survival: 30-35%

Survival rates continue to improve with better surgical techniques and immunosuppression.

Cost in India (2023)

Evaluation: ₹1-2 lakhs
Single Lung: ₹15-25 lakhs
Double Lung: ₹25-40 lakhs
1st Year Care: ₹8-15 lakhs
Annual Follow-up: ₹3-5 lakhs

Some state governments provide partial financial assistance for transplants.

Need a Transplant Evaluation?

Early referral improves outcomes. Contact our transplant coordinator today.

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Lung Transplantation