Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) carries a high burden of morbidity and
mortality to patient and a high cost to health care systems. Lung transplantation
is a last resort available for end-stage COPD patients interested in pursuing it and
meeting the strict transplant requirements. It requires commitment from patients and
their loved ones to support them through this tough process. This review will cover
history of transplant, indications, candidate selection, evaluation testing, transplant
listing, type of transplant (single versus bilateral), posttransplant complications,
immunosuppression, and rejection. It is tailored to the COPD patient when applicable;
however, many aspects of lung transplantation are shared amongst all lung diseases
eligible for transplant.
Keywords
lung transplant - chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) - immunosuppression
