The Medical Challenge of Lung Transplantation

The pre- and postoperative management of lung transplant patients is one of the most challenging in solid organ transplantation. In order to maintain a successful lung transplant program over time, an adequate clinical team should be available because the primary transplant team will mostly be involved in the care of this complex population in the short and long term. Most patients will require a lifelong assistance exclusively from the transplant hospital. High-quality continuous education of the staff, adequate resources, integration between medical and surgical specialties, and constantly updated protocols and policies are all required to establish and maintain a viable lung transplant program. The role of the transplant pulmonologist far exceeds a comprehensive knowledge of lung disease and requires advanced skills in immunology, infectious diseases, and interventional bronchology. A thorough understanding of all expected complications after lung transplantation (LTX) is required to provide excellent short- and long-term outcomes.