|
Lung transplant Description:
A lung transplant is donated from a human who has been declared brain-dead but remains on life-support. Tissue matches must be made to assure the patient's best chance of fighting off rejection of the transplanted tissue.
While the patient is deep asleep and pain-free (general anesthesia), an incision is made through the breast bone (sternum). Tubes are used to re-route the blood to a heart-lung bypass machine to keep the blood oxygenated and circulating during the surgery.
The patient's lungs are removed and the donor lungs are stitched into place. Drainage tubes (chest tubes) are inserted to drain air, fluid, and blood out of the chest for several days to allow the lungs to fully re-expand.
Indications:
Lung transplants may be recommended for patients with severe lung disease such as: Lung transplant is not recommended for patients with serious illnesses, such as reduced kidney or liver function, insulin dependent diabetes mellitus , or other serious diseases.
What to Expect After:
Lung transplant is an extreme measure for patients with life-threatening lung disease or damage. Current survival rates are as high as 80% at 1 year following transplantation and 60% at 4 years.
Fighting rejection is an ongoing process. The body's immune system considers the transplanted organ as an invader (much like an infection) and fights it. To prevent rejection, organ transplant patients must take anti-rejection ( immunosuppression ) drugs (such as cyclosporine and corticosteroids) that reduce (suppress) the body's immune response and reduce the chance of rejection. These drugs also reduce the body's natural ability to fight off various infections.
Convalescence:
An extended hospital stay should be expected. The recovery period is about 6 months. Frequent check-ups with blood tests and Xray tests will be necessary for years.
Risks:
Risks for any anesthesia are: Risks for any surgery are: Additional risks of transplant includes:
Cost:
The costs of any surgery varies significantly between surgeons, medical facilities, and regions of the country. Patients who are younger, sicker, or need more extensive surgery will require more intensive and expensive treatment.
Surgery charges can be separated into five parts: 1) the surgeon's fee, 2) the anesthesiologist's fee, 3) the hospital charges, which includes nursing care and the operating room, 4) the medications, and 5) additional charges.
The approximate cost for a lung transplant is about $150,000.
1. Surgeon's fee: variable
2. Anesthesiologist's fee: averages $350 to $400 per hour
3. Hospital charges: basic rate averages $1,500 to $1,800 per day (more for the intensive care unit (ICU) or private rooms)
4. Medication charges: $200 to $400
5. Additional charges: assisting surgeon, treatment of complications, diagnostic procedures (such as blood or X-ray exams), medical supplies, or equipment use.
Insurance coverage for surgery expenses depends on many factors and should be explored for each individual instance.
|