PURPOSE: The lung and heart-lung transplantation is a life-saving procedure for end stage lung disease with or without congenital heart disease. The risk of infection and rejection is higher than other solid organ transplantations, and this study is to
analyze the complications and its outcome in order to improve patient management and long term survival following lung and heart-lung transplantation. METHODS: We have performed five lung transplantations and one heart-lung transplantation between July
1996 to December 2002 and we retrospectively reviewed medical records and analyzed early and late complications. RESULTS: Total of 6 patients (4 male and 2 female) with mean age of 48.2 years old (range, 34~59) underwent transplantation. Emphysematous
lung disease was the most common indication (3 patients-50%), followed by one case of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and 2 cases of Eisemmenger's syndrome. Four early complications occurred in 3 patients: one case each of CVA, prolonged air leak, acute
heart rejection, and ulcer perforation. Seven late complications occurred in 6 patients: one case each of aspergillosis infection, pulmonary tuberculosis, post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disease, CMV gastritis, pneumonia, and gastric ulcer
bleding. CONCLUSION: Prompt detection of complications necessitating surgical interventions following thoracic organ transplantation is important for prolonged survival.
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