Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2013; 34(03): 288-296
DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1348468
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Lung Transplantation for Obstructive Lung Diseases

Rupal J. Shah
1   Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
,
Robert M. Kotloff
2   Section of Advanced Lung Disease and Lung Transplantation, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History

Publication Date:
02 July 2013 (online)

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Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) represents one of the most common indications for lung transplantation, accounting for approximately one third of all procedures performed worldwide to date. Despite this extensive experience, questions remain about the appropriate timing of transplantation in the natural history of COPD, the optimal procedure to perform, and the survival benefit achieved. Less commonly encountered obstructive lung disorders for which transplantation is occasionally performed include emphysema due to α-1-antitrypsin deficiency, lymphangioleiomyomatosis, and Langerhans cell histiocytosis. Like COPD, the application of transplantation to these rare disorders also poses several questions. This article explores issues that arise when lung transplantation is utilized for treatment of both common and uncommon obstructive lung disorders.