Lung Transplant Cost in India

Lung Transplant in India

1. Before the transplant

Before the lung transplant surgery, the patient needs to undergo a comprehensive evaluation conducted by the doctor. This is done in order to analyze whether the patient is eligible for the procedure or not. The basic steps a patient will go through are:

• Diagnostic tests – These tests help the doctor evaluate the condition of the patient’s lungs and overall health. It may include an X-ray, ultrasound, CT scans, pulmonary function tests, and lung biopsy. Additionally, female patients may also undergo tests like pap smear tests, mammograms, and a general gynecologic evaluation. 
• Blood tests – Blood tests help patients to find a suitable donor so that there are minimal chances of immune-rejection post-transplant. 
• Social & Psychological evaluation – This is essential as it analyzes the patient’s mental health, stress levels, support from their families, and financial options. These factors, too, play an integral part in the success of the procedure. 

Apart from the evaluation, a patient is also expected to make certain lifestyle changes. 

• Stop smoking for at least 3 months before the surgery
• Follow a healthy, balanced diet.
• Get regular exercise

2. Finding a donor

• According to the Transplantation of Human Organs ACT, international patients in India are not eligible to register under NOTTO (National organ & tissue transplant organization) for a lung transplant. 
• Therefore, international patients can’t undergo cadaveric lung transplantation in India. 
• However, living lung transplantation in India is a great option for international patients. Living donor transplantation requires a patient to find a donor who is a good match. Mostly, a close family member or blood-related relative can be potential donors. 
• A donor must be in good health and a non-smoker for successful transplantation. A living donor will donate a part of their lung, usually the lower lobes, to the patient. 

3. Lung transplant surgery 

• After the doctor and the patient are satisfied with the pre-transplant procedures and a living donor is available, the transplant surgery can be conducted. 
• The surgery is performed under general anesthesia and can last for 6 to 8 hours. 
• The patient will stay on ventilator support throughout the surgery and will breathe through intubation tubes, which will also assist the patient with other bodily functions. 
• The surgeon will make cuts in the main airway and surrounding blood vessels during the surgery, remove the diseased portion of the lungs, and replace them with the donated parts. The transected blood vessels are reattached. 
• A separate surgery will be conducted before this procedure where the surgeon will remove a healthy lobe structure from the donor’s body. 

4. After lung transplant surgery

• After successful transplant surgery, the patient’s condition will be monitored in an ICU for at least 4-5 days. 
• Then, the patient is shifted to a normal ward where they’ll be kept under observation for 2-3 weeks. 
• The doctor may also suggest the patient join a pulmonary rehabilitation program to maintain their breathing capacity. This will also include counseling sessions that educate the patient on living a healthy life after the transplant. 
• During the hospital stay, regular tests like pulmonary function tests, ECG, lung biopsy, etc. will be conducted to assess the patient’s recovery and healing.