People suffering from end-stage lung disease or those who can no longer survive on medications and are recommended to get a lung transplant. The procedure should be considered when someone is likely to die without the surgery and no other options are available. A lung transplant can also be for people whose lung disease is so severe that they can no longer breathe on their own.
Lung Transplant Procedure
This is surgical removal of the diseased lungs replacing it with healthier lungs from the donor. Lung transplants are done on any age group. It includes newborns to adults up to any age. For people with severe lung disease, a transplant can bring back easier breathing and add years to your life.
However, lung transplant surgery has major risks and complications. These are a few types of lung transplant procedures:
- A single lung is the transplant of only one lung.
- The double lung is the transplant of both lungs.
- Bilateral sequential is the transplant of both lungs, done one at the same time. It is called a bilateral single.
- A heart-lung transplant is the transplant of both lungs and the heart taken from a single donor and performed at the same time.
Most lungs that are transplanted, come from deceased organ donors. This type of transplant is called a cadaveric transplant. Healthy, nonsmoking adults who are a good match can also donate one of their lungs. The part of the lung is called a lobe. This type of transplant is called a living transplant. People who donate a lung lobe can live healthy lives with the remaining lungs.
Comparison Of The Lung Transplant Facilities In Turkey And India:
Turkey offers a very convenient and economical package which includes multiple services.
. It includes a sponsored visa
. Ticket for two people – you can bring along any individual to accompany
. Domestic travelling from the airport to the hotel, hospital and any other place required regarding your treatment
. Accommodation for two people
. Almost all the medical expenses which include lab tests, medicines and other essentials and all other medical expenses.
The exact amount can only be decided according to the patient’s condition.
These treatments which are also offered in a few other countries includes India too. Travelling to India has become a hurdle for Pakistanis now. The way Pakistani patients are kept waiting for visas, how they are treated and welcomed is certainly not what a patient expects it to be like. This is exactly why people prefer travelling to Turkey. They are welcoming and their hospitality towards Pakistani citizens is commendable. Whereas in India, it has become difficult for the people of Pakistan to stay, travel or adjust in their environment. Their lack of cooperation for the family visas and facilities have convinced people to route to Turkey instead of India.
Most importantly, when you pay for this treatment in India, it covers hospital facilities only and for the rest of the services, you’re on your own. Considering all these factors, Turkey is the most convenient option for you to visit and get your lung transplant done in the best way.
Lung Surgery Step By Step
Lung transplant requires a stay in the hospital. It depends on your condition and your healthcare provider’s methods. In most cases, the procedure will follow this process;
- The patient is given anesthesia
- An intravenous (IV) line is put in your arm or hand.
- Thin, flexible tubes (catheters) are placed in your neck, wrist, under the collarbone or the groin.
- For a bilateral sequential lung transplant, you will lie on your back with your arms above your head.
- Your heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing will be watched during the procedure.
- For a single lung transplant, the incision will be made on the side of the chest where the lung will be replaced.
- For a bilateral sequential transplant, the incision will be made horizontally across the chest below the breasts.
- Depending on your lung condition and the type of transplant being done, you may be put on a \cardiopulmonary bypass machine (heart-lung machine). This machine sends blood and oxygen to your body during the procedure.
- The lungs are changed
- The new lung’s blood vessels and airways will be attached. For a bilateral sequential transplant, the lungs will be attached one at a time.
- The incision will be closed with stitches or surgical staples.
- These are to remove air, fluid, and blood from the chest and to allow the new lung(s) to expand fully. A thin tube (epidural catheter) may be put in. This is done to send pain medicine into your back. It may be done in the operating room or in the recovery room.
Lung Surgery Recovery Time
However, the key is moderation and understanding your limits. Initially, you will probably have less energy than you had before surgery. It takes time for your body to heal and adjust to your new medications. Exercise should become an important part of your life, enabling a faster return to your routine activities, and helping you maintain overall improved health. Exercise improves muscle tone, as well as the functioning of your heart and lungs. It also helps reduce stress, and achieve and maintain ideal body weight.
After returning home, you should exercise daily. A daily walk of at least 15-20 minutes and gradually increase the time as tolerated. Doctors recommended not to smoke. Smoking damages your new lungs, putting you at greater risk for lung infections, including bronchitis, emphysema and pneumonia. It also increases your risk of developing cancer.
You can resume your previous activities as soon as you feel better, but remember that your recovery will take several months and you should increase your activity gradually. Your health and recovery are always dependent on how active you live after the transplant. Don’t tire yourself out and gradually start from moderate activities until you feel comfortable in performing all heavy activities again. Before and afterlife always have a 10% difference but people can overcome it as well as adjust with it as soon as they can.
Lung Surgery Survival Rate
The survival rate for lung transplant patients has improved in recent years. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), the one-year survival rate of single-lung transplants is nearly 80 percent moreover, the five-year survival rate is more than 50 percent. Those numbers were much lower 20 years ago. It also varies by facility and your activities after the treatment. The success rate of these treatments is far better in turkey rather than other countries. All the doctors in Turkey are very concerned about their patient’s recovery. They keep in touch with you through online consultation and help you with any post-treatment situations, even when you fly back home.
