Lung Cancer patients and Lung Transplantation at Emory in Atlanta
For end-stage lung cancer patients there is one last saving grace: the lung transplant. While this medical procedure began with a low success rate and a high degree of uncertainty it has become one of the larger success stories in the medical field. Today there are several hospitals that offer lung transplants but one of the best in the southeast is the McKelvey Lung Transplantation Center at Emory Healthcare.
About 45 lung transplants were performed at medical centers around the world with no notable success between 1963 and 1980, and most were done as a last ?ditch? effort for dying patients. After these initial efforts there was more success with a heart-lung transplant program and this was the only option for patients during this period.
In the late 1980s doctors finally perfected the lung transplant and the procedure has even changed much since then. Outcomes continue to improve due mainly to better medications and treatment of infection and bodily rejection of the organ. The main limiting factor is the small supply of donor organs.
Any decision as big as a lung-transplant requires much prior consideration and council. For that reason it is recommended to discuss available treatment options with your doctor, but do not forget about this life saving measure when you do so.
The McKelvey Lung Transplantation center at Emory has a certified group of surgeons, cardiologists, psychiatrists, nurses, and various other medical staff personnel to help you make the decision. Your best bet for success will be early diagnosis so consider this option and check with your doctor.