Who Need Lungs Transplant: There are trillions of microorganisms present around us which we cannot see with the naked eye. Crores of these microorganisms enter our mouth. We do not see them but our lungs do not allow them to enter the body. In such a situation, just think, if our lungs become weak or there is some disease in them, then how will we be able to survive. But the reality is that due to dangerous pollution, many types of infections and some diseases, our lungs are becoming weak. When the lungs stop working completely then the lungs need to be replaced.
According to the European Respiratory Review, about 4600 lungs are transplanted every year in the world. Of these, 91 percent of lung transplants take place only in Europe and America. There is very little facility for lung replacement in our country. Lungs are transplanted in only 4-5 centers in the country. The first lung transplant center in North India has opened at Pushpawati Singhania Hospital and Research Center in New Delhi. How lung transplant is done and how much it costs, we asked famous lung transplant surgeons. Dr. Karan Mehra talked to.
Who needs lung transplant?
Dr. Karan Mehra says that if a patient’s lungs have become very damaged then lung transplant is required. It can be caused by a number of factors. When conditions like interstitial lung disease, lung fibrosis, COPD, lung failure, inflammation etc. become very serious, then the lung function becomes very weak. In these conditions the patient needs 10-15 liters of oxygen daily. If lungs are transplanted in such patients, their life becomes normal as before.
How is lung transplant done?
Dr. Karan Mehra says that at present very few patients are given lung transplant in India. Last year, lungs were replaced in about 120 patients. For patients who need lung transplant, a donor is first identified. Actually, many people in the country are living in a state of brain dead. If the family gives permission for the lungs to be donated, the lungs are matched. If the lungs are matched on all the parameters, then the patient in need is already kept under observation in the ECMO machine and the lungs are removed from the brain dead patient.
This is a very difficult and complex process. After this, the lungs are brought to the hospital in suitable equipment. For this, the administration is requested to create green corridors on the roads. This clears the way and the lungs can be quickly brought to the patient in the hospital. After this, a long process continues and the pulmonologist surgeon implants retracted lungs in the patient. After surgery, the patient is kept in the special transplant ICU for 5 to 7 days. During this period the patient is at greater risk of infection. Therefore, the patient is kept under close observation of the transplant pulmonologist. After this he is shifted to the ward. After two weeks the patient becomes normal and is discharged from the hospital.
In which diseases is lung transplant required?
There are many diseases in which lung transplant may be required. Dr. Karan Mehra told that there is interstitial lungs disease (ILDs). In this disease many types of problems occur in the lungs. In this, the lungs start shrinking from inside because the cells start dying due to which scars are formed in the tissue. It is like a wound in a way. Due to this the inner part of the lungs starts getting destroyed. This causes respiratory failure. In this situation, lung transplant is required. Apart from this, people who have severe COPD disease also need lung transplant. After Covid, lung function is weakening in many patients.
In such a case of pulmonary arterial hypertension, lung transplant is required. When a patient’s lungs begin to deteriorate due to severe TB, a lung transplant is still required. Patients with such disease conditions often get infections because the lungs become weak. Due to this, inflammation occurs in the lungs and the cells of the lungs start dying. Lung function greatly reduces. Such patients have to survive on oxygen.
Who are at greater risk of lung damage?
People who smoke or consume alcohol in excess are more likely to have lung damage. At the same time, people who get infections very often, have very bad lifestyle, have kidney and heart diseases, they have a higher risk of having damaged lungs. At the same time, people whose family members already have damaged lungs are also more likely to have problems with their lungs.
How much does lung transplant cost?
Lung transplant is a very difficult procedure. There are many complications involved in getting lungs from a donor. Also, a special type of machine is required for lung transplant. Although the cost depends on the condition of the patient and the number of complications, lung transplant costs roughly Rs 25 to 30 lakhs.
Where are lung transplants done?
According to Dr. Karan Mehra, lungs are transplanted in only 4 to 5 centers in the country. Lung transplant is done in two hospitals, Apollo Hospitals, Chennai and Hyderabad. It is the only lung transplant center in North India. This is Pushpawati Singhania Hospital, New Delhi, which is in Saket.
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FIRST PUBLISHED: April 5, 2024, 12:01 IST