Anastomotic complications after lung transplantation

Abstract

Since the first lung transplant performed by James Hardy in 1963 in the University of Mississippi, there has been significant progress in the surgical techniques and perioperative care. However, the median survival of lung transplant recipients continue to be poor compared to other transplanted organs. While infections and graft failure account for approximately 35% of deaths in the first year after transplantation, the development of different forms of chronic lung allograft dysfunction and neoplasms, account for the majority of late deaths. Anastomotic complications are rare, but still are associated to significant postoperative problems that should be appropriately managed.The lung transplant technique comprises three anastomoses: the bronchial, the pulmonary artery and the