Objective: To discuss the operative technique, patient selection and perioperative management of lung transplantation for pulmonary fibrosis.
Methods: From September 2002 to December 2005, 31 cases of lung transplantations were performed in our hospital. There were 10 cases receiving single lung transplantation for pulmonary fibrosis, among them 2 received right lung transplantation with cardio pulmonary bypass, and one received contralateral lung transplantation-a left donor lung implanted in the recipient's right thorax.
Results: The in-hospital mortality was 10.0% (1/10). Nine patients were discharged from hospital, while one patient died of severe infection on the 137th postoperative day. During follow-up, one patient died of infection 9 months and another patient died of an accident 25 months after the operation. The 7 other patients were alive with improved lung functions.
Conclusion: Lung transplantation is effective in improving the survival of selected patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.