

In the management of advanced lung disease, when all other therapeutic options are exhausted, lung transplantation frequently provides an alternative for a wide range of patients in both the adult and pediatric age groups. Transplantation has been shown to improve quality of life, functional endurance, exercise tolerance, and survival in select patient groups.
Today, lung transplantation is considered a viable treatment for many patients with most transplants being performed for end-stage lung disease resulting from emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis, and cystic fibrosis. Additionally, other lung diseases such as those resulting from sarcoidosis, collagen vascular disorders, and pulmonary hypertension are also amenable to this therapy.
This article is a NetWellness exclusive.
Last Reviewed: Jan 06, 2010
|
David R Nunley, MD, FCCP Former Associate Professor College of Medicine The Ohio State University |