Lung transplant in India – Overview

Chronic disease is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide and among them chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of mortality in the developing countries. Lung transplantation is a newer treatment option and is the definitive treatment option for end lung diseases like interstitial lung disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease etc. that cannot be managed with maximum medical treatment.

Over the years, lung transplant surgery in India has seen both challenges and successes, paving the way for a better future for patients in dire need.

The Roadblocks

The main hindering factor in the lung transplant was the lack of donors in the country as the organ can be harvested once the donor is classified as “brain dead “ which has to certified by a neurosurgeon and neurologist and also confirming after certain blood test.

Organ transplantation in our country is regulated by “Transplantation of Human Organs Act 1994” which make sure that retrieval and storage of human organs are always regulated. The main reason for lack of donation is because of lack of awareness of organ donation as we know that without deceased donation the precious resource is wasted and due to different religious beliefs and also due to the impact of infections like Covid 19.

The Success

Despite the roadblocks, lung transplant surgeries have been successfully performed in India. Surgeons have honed their skills and adopted advanced surgical techniques, resulting in better outcomes for patients.

Research and development in the field of lung transplantation have also contributed to improved patient outcomes. Clinical trials and studies have paved the way for innovative approaches to tackle immunological challenges and organ rejection.

Following the Covid 19 the organ transplantation including heart and lung have steadily increased and with the newer immunosuppressants and with strict protocol , the outcome is also better as compared to earlier.

I hope that different roadblocks of organ transplantation can be tackled in a better now in my country for the successful outcome and for giving the second life to patients with end stage lung disease.

Dr. Vimi Varghese (Transplant Pulmonologist at Yashoda Hospitals, Secunderabad, Telangana.

Source/s: Image by Drazen Zigic on Freepik