Lung transplant in hyderabad​

A lung transplant is a surgical process that involves damaged or diseased lungs being replaced with healthy donor lungs. At Gleneagles Hospitals, our expert team provides comprehensive care during the entire transplant journey. From diagnosis to post-surgery recovery, our team ensures you receive the best possible outcomes for a successful lung transplant in Hyderabad.

A lung transplant is required when breathing becomes difficult every day, and other treatments no longer work. This process replaces diseases or damaged lungs with healthy lungs to help patients breathe easier and have a longer life.

At Gleneagles Hospitals, we are recognised as the best hospital for lung transplant in Hyderabad. Our team of specialists use cutting-edge technology along with international protocols to make sure we have successful outcomes for patients with severe lung conditions

A lung transplant refers to a surgical process that involves replacing either one or both damaged lungs with healthy lungs from a deceased donor. This procedure is usually done only when other treatments have not helped, or your lung condition is life-threatening.

This process can include: 

• A single lung transplant: This involves replacing just one of the lungs
• Double lung transplant: That includes replacing both of the lungs
• Heart-lung transplant: This is a rare case process that involves replacing both the lungs and the heart.

A lung transplant is generally recommended when patients have a severe and progressive lung disease that isn’t able to respond to other treatments. Some common conditions that might need a lung transplant include:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including emphysema
• Pulmonary fibrosis (scarring of the lungs)
• Cystic fibrosis
• Pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs)
• Bronchiectasis
• Severe lung damage from COVID-19
• Serious lung injuries

If you’re suffering from advanced lung disease, our expert team at Gleneagles Hospitals, the best lung transplant hospital in Hyderabad, can help you understand if this process will help you improve your breathing and quality of life.

The entire process for a lung transplant involves the following process:

Step 1: Evaluation and Waiting List 

Before receiving a lung transplant in Hyderabad, patients undergo a thorough evaluation process to determine if they're suitable candidates. This includes: 

• Complete physical examination
• Blood tests and tissue typing
• Lung function tests
• Heart tests (ECG, echocardiogram)
• CT scans and chest X-rays
• Psychological assessment
• If you're deemed eligible, you'll be placed on a national waiting list. The waiting time varies depending on:
• Blood type compatibility
• Size match between your chest cavity and the donor's lungs
• The severity of your condition
• Overall health status 

During this waiting period, your healthcare team at Gleneagles Hospitals will monitor your condition closely and help you maintain the best possible health. 

Step 2: Preparing for Surgery 

• While waiting for donor lungs, it's important to:
• Follow your medication regimen strictly
• Participate in pulmonary rehabilitation to strengthen your breathing muscles
• Maintain a healthy diet
• Avoid alcohol and tobacco
• Stay physically active as recommended by your healthcare team
• Have a transportation plan ready for when donor lungs become available 

Step 3: The Transplant Surgery 

A lung transplant is a complex procedure that typically takes 4-12 hours, depending on whether you're receiving a single or double lung transplant. Here's what happens during surgery: 

• You'll receive general anaesthesia, so you'll be asleep and won't feel pain
• A breathing tube will be placed to help you breathe during surgery
• The surgeon will make an incision in your chest
• For a single lung transplant, the incision will be on the side of the damaged lung
• For a double lung transplant, the incision will go across your chest
• Your diseased lung(s) will be carefully removed
• The donor lung(s) will be placed in your chest
• Blood vessels and airways will be connected to the new lung(s)
• Drainage tubes will be placed to remove air, blood, and fluid from around the lungs
• The incision will be closed with sutures and bandaged 

At the best hospital for lung transplants in Hyderabad, our surgical team uses advanced techniques to minimise risks and ensure the best outcomes for our patients. 

Step 4: Post-Surgery Care 

After your lung transplant, you'll: 

• Spend several days in the intensive care unit (ICU)
• Be connected to a ventilator initially to help you breathe
• Have drainage tubes in your chest to remove excess fluid
• Receive medications to prevent organ rejection and infection
• Begin working with physical and respiratory therapists 

Most patients stay in the hospital for 2-3 weeks after surgery. Once discharged, you'll need frequent follow-up visits to monitor your recovery and adjust medications.

The first three months after a lung transplant are crucial. During this time:

• You'll need to stay near the hospital for frequent check-ups
• Your healthcare team will monitor for signs of rejection and infection
• You'll undergo regular tests, including blood work and lung function tests
• You might need bronchoscopies (a procedure where a small camera examines your lungs and takes tissue samples)
• Physical and respiratory therapy will continue to strengthen your lungs and body 

Apart from that, living with transplanted lungs requires lifelong care: 

• Taking immunosuppressant medications to prevent rejection
• Regular check-ups with your transplant team
• Monitoring for signs of rejection or infection
• Following a healthy lifestyle with proper diet and exercise
• Avoiding crowds and sick people, especially during cold and flu season

Many patients return to work or school within 4-6 months after surgery and can enjoy an improved quality of life with better breathing capacity.

Like any major surgery, a lung transplant carries risks that include:

1. Rejection 

Your immune system may recognise the new lungs as foreign and attack them. Signs of rejection include: 

• Fever
• Shortness of breath
• Coughing
• Chest congestion 

Regular monitoring and immunosuppressant medications help reduce this risk. At Gleneagles Hospitals, our transplant team is experienced in managing rejection through prompt detection and treatment. 

2. Infection 

Immunosuppressant medications make you more vulnerable to infections. Preventive measures include: 

• Careful handwashing
• Avoiding crowds and sick people
• Getting recommended vaccinations
• Taking prescribed antibiotics and antiviral medications 

3. Medication Side Effects 

Anti-rejection drugs can cause: 

• Weight gain
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Kidney problems
• Osteoporosis
• Increased cancer risk 

Your healthcare team will work to minimise these effects through careful medication management.

As the best lung transplant hospital in Hyderabad, Gleneagles Hospitals offers:

• Expert Transplant Team: Our multidisciplinary team includes transplant pulmonologists, surgeons, anesthesiologists, specialised nurses, respiratory therapists, and coordinators.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Advanced surgical suites, intensive care units, and diagnostic equipment.
• Comprehensive Care: From pre-transplant evaluation through lifelong follow-up care.
• Excellent Outcomes: High success rates comparable to international standards. Patient-Centred Approach: Personalised treatment plans tailored to each patient's needs.
• Support Services: Psychological counselling, nutritional guidance, and support groups for patients and families.