Living Donor Lung Transplantation

There is an increasing shortage of available organs. As a result, living donor lung transplants may be an option. In this procedure, lobes (individual portions of lung tissue) are removed from two separate donors, usually family members. Blood relation decreases the possibility of rejection. Significant testing is required to ensure all three patients (recipient and donors) are well prepared for surgery. The lobes are then transplanted into the recipient.

Currently, living donation is offered only to those between the ages of 12-25. Donors must be in excellent health and either a family member or longtime friend of the recipient. Donors will have 20% of lung volume removed, but this should not affect their lifestyle. The recovery period for donors is 4-6 weeks.

Advantages include

• shorter waiting time
• scheduling surgery when the recipient is at optimal health
• possibility organs will be a closer match than those from cadaveric donors

Risks include

• smaller lung volume being transplanted
• possibility of organ rejection

Reviewed/updated: 2011-07-26