If you need a lung transplant, you may have questions.
The lung transplant team at Emory Healthcare wants you to understand the entire lung transplant process—from initial evaluation and approval, through surgery and beyond.
How Lung Transplant Works
What To Expect Before, During and After a Lung Transplant
Before Your Lung Transplant Surgery
When a donor lung becomes available, a transplant coordinator will call you at the number or numbers you have listed in your medical record. We expect you to call back quickly (within five to 10 minutes).
Getting the call doesn’t always mean a transplant will happen.
A coordinator will talk with you about your current health to ensure you aren’t sick, which can prevent you from undergoing transplant surgery. And your surgeon will examine the donor organ to be sure it’s strong and healthy.
If your coordinator and surgeon decide to move forward with lung transplant surgery, we will ask you to get to the hospital quickly. Find out what happens next.
Your Transplant Surgery
When you arrive at the hospital for your transplant, our team will direct you to a room where we will begin your preparation for surgery.
During surgery prep, our team will weigh you, take your vital signs and blood work and perform a chest X-ray and EKG. You will also receive medications before going to the operating room.
Transplant surgery prep can take up to 24 hours.
Lung Transplant Surgery
With any type of lung transplant surgery, you will receive anesthesia to put you to sleep. Your surgery team may connect you to a heart-lung machine (cardiopulmonary bypass). This machine takes over for your heart and lungs during surgery. You will also have a breathing tube in your throat. This will remain in place during and after your surgery to help you breathe and heal.
During lung transplant surgery, surgeons make an incision (on one side for a single lung transplant and below your breasts for a double lung transplant).
Your surgeon removes your diseased lung and then attaches the bronchus (main airway) of the donor lung to your bronchus. Then, your surgeon attaches your pulmonary artery and pulmonary veins to the new lung. Once your new lung is in place, your surgeon closes the incision.
You can expect to remain asleep for up to 24 hours after lung transplant surgery.
Post-Transplant Surgery Care
Recovery after a lung transplant takes time. Our team is ready to help you heal at the best pace for you.
After your lung transplant surgery, our team will move you to a room in our cardiovascular intensive care unit (CVICU). Our CVICU team is specially trained to care for people after complex heart or lung surgeries.
When you are ready to leave the CVICU, our team will transfer you to the hospital’s thoracic floor. You’ll stay for several weeks and will receive care from our team that specializes in lung transplant recovery. During your stay, doctors may order tests to evaluate your lungs. You can also expect to meet with many caregivers, including:
- Dietitians
- Occupational and physical therapists
- Pharmacists
- Social workers
While you recover in the hospital, you will also meet your inpatient coordinator. This transplant team member will teach you how to care for your new lungs. They will also arrange follow-up care and appointments. You can reach your transplant team at any time by calling 855-366-7989.
Life After Lung Transplant Surgery
Lung transplant is lifesaving, but it isn’t a “cure” for your lung disease. You will need life-long care and daily medications. Our team is committed to helping you stay as healthy as possible post-transplant. Your participation is integral to your recovery.
Going Home and Post-Transplant Care
While you adjust to your lung transplant, you need to remain close to our transplant team. Upon discharge from the hospital—and before you go home—you’ll stay for six to 12 months in nearby local housing that has been approved by the lung transplant team. One of your options may be the Mason House, a private guesthouse where you can begin pulmonary rehabilitation. This is an important part of lung transplant recovery.
Possible Post-Transplant Complications
Complications are common after lung transplant surgery. Most complications are minor and treatable. Your transplant team will talk with you about signs and symptoms to watch for.
Some of the most common post-transplant complications are:
- Bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS)
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Infection
- Organ rejection
When To Call the Transplant Team
Call your transplant coordinator if you experience any of these symptoms, as they may be signs of organ rejection:
- Change in pulse rate or heart rhythm
- Excessive tiredness and fatigue
- Fever greater than 100.5 degrees
- Loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Weight gain of more than two to three pounds in 24 hours or more than four to five pounds in a few days
You should also call your coordinator if you experience signs of a possible infection, including:
- Fever, chills or sore throat
- Headache or sinus drainage
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
- Pain or burning while urinating
- Productive cough
- Wound redness, swelling or pus
Post-Transplant Medications
After a lung transplant, you will take medicines to ensure your transplanted organ works properly. You will take these medications for the rest of your life. Our team will talk with you about each medication, how much to take and possible side effects. We can also work with you to determine the best location for medication refills or arrange for medication delivery.
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