Lung Transplant IN INDIA

For those whose lungs are damaged and incapable of providing their bodies with enough oxygen, lung transplant is an important curative option. When medicines don’t work, replacing damaged lungs with healthy ones is an option, costing around USD 40,000 to USD 60,000.  With 100–120 transplants per year, lung transplant in India has a 95% success rate. After one year, 90% of patients are doing well, but after three years, the figure declines to 55-70%. As the prevalence of lung diseases rises worldwide, India’s advanced lung transplant programs are particularly effective.

Understanding Lung Function

The lungs perform these essential functions:

• Absorb oxygen from inhaled air, which is required by all organs.
• Remove waste carbon dioxide in an efficient manner.
• Oxygen enters the bloodstream, nourishing body parts, and carbon dioxide is transported back to be removed.
• Lungs are divided into lobes, with the right lung having three and the left lung having two lobes.
• The windpipe is divided into two tubes, which branch into smaller tubes for each lung lobe.
• Smaller tubes lead to smaller branches known as bronchioles.
• Alveoli are microscopic air sacs at the bronchiole ends that allow oxygen-carbon dioxide exchange.
• Alveoli exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide, which is essential for maintaining oxygen levels and removing carbon dioxide.

Lung Transplantation

Lung transplantation in India involves surgically replacing a damaged lung with a healthy lung from a deceased donor. The transplanted lung is carefully selected to meet the needs of the person receiving it. A donor’s heart may also be transplanted in some cases. This complex method efficiently treats lung failure by restoring normal blood oxygenation and preventing numerous organ dysfunctions. Individuals with chronic lung problems who are unresponsive to normal treatment options may benefit from lung transplantation in India.

Reasons for Lung Failure

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Makes breathing difficult when airflow becomes blocked.
• Pulmonary Hypertension: Blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs rises, causing lung damage if not fixed.
• Cystic Fibrosis: Sweating and mucus-producing glands stop operating properly, worsening the condition over time.
• Heart Disease: Heart problems that are linked to the lungs might require a transplant of both organs.
• Sarcoidosis: The lungs collect clumps of inflammation-causing cells, making breathing difficult.
• Pulmonary Fibrosis: Lungs get damaged for several reasons, making breathing difficult.
• Smoking: Long-term smoking damages lung tissues, causing them to function poorly.

Types of Lung Transplant

• Single Lung Transplant: When one of the lungs suffers serious damage, it is replaced with a healthy lung.
• Double Lung Transplant: If both lungs are severely damaged, a double lung transplant is performed.
• Bilateral Sequential Transplant: Both lungs are replaced one after the other, not at the same time.
• Heart-Lung Transplant: Both the heart and the lungs are replaced by the same donor at the same time.

Selecting the Right Donor

• Cadaveric Transplant: The majority of lung transplants are performed using lungs from deceased organ donors.
• Living Donor Transplant: In this procedure, a healthy nonsmoking adult can donate a lobe of one lung. It is important to understand that the donor can still live a normal life with the remaining lung.

Eligibility for a Lung Transplant

Not everyone with lung disease is eligible for a lung transplant due to factors like:

• Good overall health with little complicated medical issues.
• Active smoking or recent smoking can disqualify candidates.
• Emotional strength to face the rigors of surgery and recovery.
• The cost of the transplant, including pre- and post-operative expenses.
• The presence of major disorders, such as heart or liver disease can disqualify candidates
• Thorough medical evaluation, including lung function and donor compatibility testing.

Legal Criteria for Lung Transplant

• Both donor and recipient stay in India for 2-3 weeks.
• If tests are good, the case goes to a government committee.
• Committee interviews both donor and recipient and approves the transplant.
• Surgery date set after committee approval.
• Patients and family need counseling before and after lung transplant.

Tests needed before Lung Transplant

• Blood Tests: To find out overall health and compatibility with possible donors.
• Chest X-ray: Provides an image of lung condition and size.
• Pulmonary Function Tests: Determine lung capacity and function.
• CT scan: Provides detailed images of the lungs for assessment.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) and Echocardiogram: These tests are used to evaluate heart function.
• Bronchoscopy: Examines and collects samples from the bronchi.
• Tissue Typing: Determines compatibility with potential donors.
• Infection Screening: Finds the presence of any infections.
• Cancer Screening: Examines the presence of cancer.

Procedure for Lung Transplant in India

You will be placed on a waiting list for donor lungs after completing testing and meeting the eligibility requirements. The length of the wait is determined by factors such as distance, blood group, and health.

When lungs become available, you will be informed and directed to your transplant hospital. The following is a breakdown of the standard methods used by the transplant team:

• Anesthesia: You will be given IV and general anesthetic for sleep.
• Tube Insertion: A tube helps with breathing and a catheter keeps the bladder empty.
• Heart-Lung Machine: This machine may be used to pump and oxygenate blood during surgery.
• Incision: The surgeon creates a wide chest incision to remove the damaged lung.
• New Lung Connection: A new lung is attached to blood vessels and the airway.
• Duration: 4-8 hours for a single lung transplant; 12 hours for a double lung transplant.
• Recovery: Closely monitored; expected to return home in a couple of weeks.
• Post-Transplant: Three months after the transplant, the medical team scans for rejection and infection.
• Immunosuppressants: Drugs that prevent the body from attacking transplanted lungs.

Post Lung transplant care

• Proper and timely follow-up on tests prescribed by your doctors.
• Adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet and exercise.
• Use appropriate hygiene habits to avoid infection.
• Continue immunosuppressive medication as prescribed.
• Due to skin sensitivity, protect skin from the sun.
• Maintain adequate fluid intake for overall health.
• Stop smoking to protect your lungs.

Complications after Lung Transplant

• Rejection
• Infections
• Organ Failure
• Bleeding or Clotting
• Fluid Buildup
• Narrowing or swelling of airways
• Side Effects of Medications
• Increased risk of cancer due to immunosuppressants.
• Diabetes risk due to medications

Cost of Lung Transplant in India

The lung transplant cost in India, which ranges from 40,000 to 60,000 USD, is determined by a variety of factors that contribute to the overall costs. These elements include the best medical facilities and surgical advancements, as well as the personalization of recovery methods and comprehensive rehabilitation steps. The length of hospitalization, possible complications, and necessary follow-up care all add to the cost of a lung transplant in India.

Best Lung Transplant Hospitals in India

In India, you can find the best lung transplant hospitals. They are known for their expertise and advanced facilities. Lung transplant hospitals in India have skilled medical teams and modern technology, ensuring good results for lung transplant patients. People looking for lung transplants can rely on these hospitals for excellent care and support throughout the process. These best lung transplant hospitals in India are dedicated to providing the best medical care and are among the top choices for lung transplants in India.

• Fortis Hospital, Gurgaon
• Manipal Hospital, Bangalore
• Medanta The Medicity
• Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai
• Max Hospital, Saket
• Apollo Hospital, Delhi
• Global Hospital, Chennai
• MGM Healthcare, Chennai

Top Lung Transplant Doctors in India

We have highly experienced doctors in India who specialize in lung transplants. Their doctors performed numerous successful lung transplants and provided comprehensive patient care. They have extensive knowledge of every step of the process and use the most advanced medical equipment. These top lung transplant doctors in India prioritize the needs of their patients, delivering the best possible results for individuals needing lung transplants. Patients can rely on these top lung transplant doctors in India for their commitment to excellence and ability to provide top-notch medical treatment and assistance throughout the lung transplantation process.

• Raj B Singh, APOLLO HOSPITALS, CHENNAI
• Prasanna Kumar Thomas, MGM HEALTHCARE, CHENNAI
• Mrinal Sircar, FORTIS HOSPITAL, NOIDA
• Manoj Kumar Goel, FORTIS MEMORIAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE, GURGAON
• Sumant Mantri, APOLLO HOSPITAL, BANGALORE

Success rate for Lung Transplant in India

Medical progress has significantly boosted lung transplant success rates and patient life expectancy during the last decade. Skilled doctors in the best lung transplant hospitals in India contribute a remarkable 87% success rate. As medical advances continue, patient recovery speeds rapidly, resulting in one-year survival rates of around 80% and up to 50% at five years. This advancement highlights the importance of top lung transplant doctors in India and the excellence of lung transplant hospitals in India.

More Info About Lung Transplant

Success Rate of Lung Transplant in India