Single Lung Transplantation After Open Window Thoracotomy for Empyema: A Case Report

Transplant Proc. 2024 Jun;56(5):1179-1182. doi: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2024.05.019. Epub 2024 Jun 4.

Abstract

A 41-year-old woman with lymphangioleiomyomatosis developed a bronchial anastomotic stenosis after left single lung transplantation (LTx). A part of the hyperinflated right native lung was excised in an attempt to remedy the left lung compression, which appeared to affect the bronchial anastomotic stenosis and ventilation/perfusion mismatch. However, a persistent air leak after the surgery caused empyema and an open window thoracotomy (OWT) was performed. She remained oxygen-dependent and was relisted for lung transplantation. A right single LTx on the side of OWT was performed, achieving long-term survival with no activity limitations for the patient. We report here the first successful LTx after OWT for empyema.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / surgery
  • Lung Transplantation* / adverse effects
  • Lymphangioleiomyomatosis / surgery
  • Thoracotomy*
  • Treatment Outcome