Is a lung transplant right for you?

In carefully selected patients, a lung transplant offers the best chance of a longer and better quality of life

Key points

Having a lung transplant improves the quality and length of life for most patients
It is not a cure. There are risks as well as benefits
Tests will be needed to determine if you are able to have a lung transplant
Lung transplants are not suitable for all patients with chronic lung disease

A lung transplant is a treatment option for some patients with end-stage respiratory failure.

Every case is unique, but there are some steps all lung transplant patients need to go through.

If your doctor thinks you may be suitable for a lung transplant, they will arrange for you to have a series of tests.

There are three common types of lung transplant – single, bilateral (double lung) or combined heart and lung.

Not all patients with end-stage respiratory failure are suitable for lung transplantation.

Get answers to commonly asked lung transplant questions.

If you’re considering a lung transplant, your first step is to talk to your lung doctor.

If you and your doctor agree a lung transplant may be a good treatment for you, they will arrange for you to have a series of tests.

How can a lung transplant help and what are the possible complications?

Find out about receiving a lung, the offering system and waiting times.

Lisa received a life-saving heart and lung transplant in 1993, after suffering from Cystic Fibrosis.

Staying healthy after a lung transplant

Writing to your donor's family

Risks from the donated lung