MEDICAL-MANAGEMENT AND COMPLICATIONS IN THE LUNG-TRANSPLANT RECIPIENT

Lung transplantation has evolved as a viable therapy for patients with end-stage lung disease. Improvements in surgical techniques, avoidanc e of rejection by effective strategies of immunosuppression, and other aspects of medical management allow successful lung transplantation, with 1-year survivorship of 70 to 93%. In this review, we address the medical management of patients who have undergone lung transplantation . The immunosuppressive protocol used at Mayo Clinic Rochester is pres ented, along with a discussion of the mechanisms of action and potenti al complications associated with the various drugs used. The recogniti on and treatment of early graft dysfunction, infection, rejection, ste nosis of the airway anastomosis, and posttransplantation lymphoprolife rative disorder are also reviewed. Careful surveillance of patients af ter lung transplantation helps maintain graft function and facilitates identification, treatment, and potential avoidance of complications.