THE LOYOLA-UNIVERSITY LUNG-TRANSPLANT EXPERIENCE

Background: We reviewed our experience with isolated lung transplantat ion at Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Ill. From April 1990 through June 1992, 33 lung transplantations for end-stage pulmonary d isease were performed (30 single lung, three bilateral single lung) Re cipient diagnoses include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, alpha (1)-antiprotease deficiency, pulmonary fibrosis, primary pulmonary hyp ertension, Eisenmenger's syndrome, sarcoidosis, cystic fibrosis, bronc hiectasis, and bronchiolitis obliterans. Methods: For patients who und erwent transplantation for end-stage obstructive airway disease, we re trospectively reviewed functional indexes before and after transplanta tion. In addition, the overall survival rate was determined. Results: Successful transplantation resulted in a marked improvement in functio nal capacity. Single-lung transplantation for end-stage obstructive ai rway disease resulted in a threefold improvement in the l-second force d expiratory volume, from 0.49 to 1.64 L. The actual survival for all isolated lung transplant recipients (including both single-lung and bi lateral single-lung procedures) was 73%, with a 15% 30-day mortality. Conclusion: Isolated lung transplantation can significantly improve fu nctional capacity as well as the quality of life in patients with end- stage lung disease.