Evolving techniques and perspectives in lung transplantation

Lung transplantation is currently a suitable option for patients with end-stage lung disease. Since the early 1980s the surgical technique and immunosuppressive protocols have been progressively modified to improve results and favor long-term survival. The original heart-lung transplantation under cardiopulmonary bypass is now rarely performed and single or bilateral lung transplantation is the procedure of choice. Bilateral transplantation is performed with two single lung transplants performed in sequence. Extracorporeal support is rarely employed and in most cases it is instituted through the femoral approach. Also, the surgical approach has been modified and the original clam shell incision has been replaced by two small anterior thoracotomies. The use of marginal donors has been increasingly proposed to enlarge the number of organs potentially available for transplantation. Immunosuppressive protocols have evolved to patient-specific regimens that can be quickly modified if required by the clinical status. Induction is now more aggressive and also rescue protocols for obliterative bronchiolitis can contribute to improved outcomes. Overall, lung transplantation is now performed with encouraging long-term results.