Postoperative course after lung transplantation and readmissions to the intensive care unit

Abstract

Lung transplantation is nowadays a suitable procedure for end-stage respiratory insufficiency. In France, a threefold increase of single-and double-lung transplantation has been observed since 2003. Postoperative course may be uneventful, with a short length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU). However, some complications may occur with an attributable mortality of 10 to 20 %, including primary graft dysfunction due to ischemia-reperfusion phenomenon, bacterial pneumonia, and cellular rejection. A multidisciplinary approach is mandatory. Later, some patients may require readmission to the ICU, mainly due to infectious pulmonary complications. Prognosis is related to the presence of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome and to the severity of the respiratory illness on admission.