Lung Transplant Patient Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for a lung transplant?

You may be eligible for a lung transplant at the University of Chicago Medicine if you:

• Have severe end-stage lung disease that hasn’t improved with other treatments and a life expectancy of less than two years
• Are healthy enough to have rehabilitation
• Have a healthy diet, which is important for healing after surgery
• Have a strong support system at home to help with bathing, food preparation, medication and transportation

Our team will review your tests, examination and medical history to determine if you meet the criteria for a lung transplant.

Am I too old for a lung transplant?

Reaching a certain age does not disqualify you for a lung transplant at UChicago Medicine. We consider many other factors, such as your health and support system, when making a transplant decision.

Can I get a lung transplant if I have cancer?

Having cancer does not automatically make you ineligible for a lung transplant at UChicago Medicine. When evaluating you for transplant, our team will consider the type and stage of cancer you have before making a decision. Additionally, some rare types of lung cancer can be treated with a lung transplant.

Can I get a lung transplant if I am overweight?

At UChicago Medicine, you may be eligible to receive a lung transplant even if you have excess weight. Our transplant team can refer you to our transplant weight loss clinic to help get you in the best shape possible before your surgery.

What are common risks with lung transplant surgery?

Some of the risks of lung transplant include:

• Bleeding
• Need for breathing machine after transplant
• Airway complications
• Infection
• Organ rejection
• Primary graft dysfunction (severe lung injury)
• Kidney injury

At UChicago Medicine, we have processes and protocols in place to significantly minimize these risks, so you can have the best possible outcome from your surgery. For example, our team has extensive experience adjusting immunosuppression treatments to reduce the risk of organ rejection after transplant.

How long do patients typically wait on the waitlist for lung transplant?

If our team agrees that you would be a good candidate for a transplant, you will be registered on the national United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) waitlist. You will also receive a lung composite allocation score (lung CAS) from 0 to 100, which is based on the severity of your illness, chance for a successful lung transplant and other factors. Your score determines you place on the list and how long you wait.

Patients with higher scores have a greater urgency for transplant. Because the waitlist is always changing, it’s difficult to know how long you will wait for a lung. Four out of five patients at University of Chicago Medicine receive a lung transplant within a year. Patients who require a double-lung transplant typically wait longer than those who need a single-lung transplant.

While you are waiting for an organ, our transplant team will work with you to optimize your health, so you have the best chance for a successful surgery.

How can a caregiver prepare for their loved ones’ lung transplant?

A strong family support system is essential for a successful lung transplant. As a caregiver, you can support your loved one in several ways:

• Arrange a family meeting to answer questions and discuss what your loved one needs.
• Create a list of chores like cooking and cleaning that you will need help with and share with family and friends.
• Meet with our social workers and financial counselors, who can provide resources and connect you with organizations that offer financial assistance, if you are eligible.
• Arrange travel and accommodations if you are coming from out of town for surgery.
• Get vaccinated against COVID-19 and quarantine prior to their surgery. (If your loved one gets COVID while on the waitlist, they will be removed until they have two consecutive negative tests).
• Provide emotional support to your loved one before and after surgery.

Being the caregiver to someone who needs a lung transplant can be extremely stressful, and it is important that you take care of your own physical and emotional health. At UChicago Medicine, we offer a lung transplant support group for patients and family members. Ask your UChicago Medicine doctor or transplant coordinator how to get involved with our support group.

What can I do to improve my lung transplant surgery outcome?

Prehabilitation can help you get in the best shape before lung transplant surgery and improve your chances of a successful outcome. UChicago Medicine has partnered with the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab to expand its rehabilitation services, including pulmonary rehabilitation before and after transplant.

Your routine after transplant is also important. Besides exercising and eating well, you will need to take medication for the rest of your life to reduce the risk of organ rejection and infection. Do not adjust your medications or miss a dose. If you have side effects from your medication, talk with your transplant nurse coordinator.

How long is the recovery process after lung transplant surgery?

Most people spend about three weeks in the hospital after transplant, but this timeframe can vary. While you are in the hospital, our team will closely monitor your lung and heart function, pain control, nutrition, fluids and other factors. We may also adjust your immunosuppression medication to reduce the risk of organ rejection after lung transplant.

When you are ready to leave the hospital, your pulmonologist, lung transplant surgeon, transplant coordinator, social worker, floor nurse and case manager will work with you to develop the best possible plan for your recovery. You may spend some time in a rehabilitation facility before you are ready to go home.

Your treatment after surgery will include physical therapy and occupational therapy to help you get stronger. A home care nurse and pharmacist will also visit you at home to monitor your health and medications.

For the first six weeks after surgery, you should avoid crowded areas, driving and lifting anything heavier than 10 pounds.

At home, you will need to record your spirometry (breathing test) results, blood pressure, temperature and weight every day. Let your team know if you have any of these issues:

• Drop in spirometry measurement
• Weight gain of at least 2 pounds in one day
• Dizziness
• Excessive weakness or fatigue
• Coughing
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Swelling in hands or feet