UNILATERAL VS. BILATERAL LUNG TRANSPLANTA TION IN OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY-DISEASE

Background: The question whether patients suffering from end-stage emp hysema who are candidates for lung transplantation should be treated w ith a single lung or with a double lung transplantation is still unans wered. Methods: We reviewed 24 consecutive lung transplant procedures, comparing the results of 6 patients with an unilateral and 17 with a bilateral transplantation. Patients and Results: After bilateral trans plantation the patients showed a trend towards better blood gas exchan ge with shorter time on ventilator and intensive care compared patient s after bilateral procedure. Three-year-actuarial survival was higher in the group after bilateral transplantation (83% versus 67%). There w as a continous improvement in pulmonary function in both groups during the first months after transplantation. Vital capacity and forced exs piratory ventilation therapies during the first second were significan tly higher in the bilateral transplant group. Conclusion: Both unilate ral and bilateral transplantation are feasible for patients with end-s tage emphysema. Bilateral transplantation results in better pulmonary reserve capacity and faster rehabilitation.