Single lung transplantation for end-stage silicosis: report of a case. Lung Transplant Group.

After successful animal studies since 1986, a single left lung transplantation was performed on a 35-year-old male patient with end-stage silicosis in July 1991. The surgical technique was similar to that used by the Toronto Transplant Group, except for some modification in bronchial anastomosis. The donor lung was preserved by simple surface cooling after the administration of heparin, methylprednisolone and PGE1. The ischemic time for the donor lung was 3.5 hours. A cardiopulmonary bypass through the femoral vessels was applied for a duration of 90 minutes. Immediate postoperative complications included massive bleeding, disseminated intravascular coagulation, adult respiratory distress syndrome and acute graft rejection. Fortunately, we overcame these complications through intensive care. Immunosuppression included antilymphocytic globulin, cyclosporine, azathioprine and corticosteroids. The results of this single lung transplantation were satisfactory. The patient was doing well and was able to satisfactorily breathe room air six weeks after the transplantation. Unfortunately, the patient died of opportunistic systemic aspergillosis six months after the transplantation. In conclusion, lung transplantation is an effective treatment for patients with end-stage lung diseases, and the results of this first single lung transplantation in Taiwan are encouraging and promising.