Lung transplantation for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients: an overview

LTx for end-stage COPD remains an accepted treatment modality in selected patients, which increases the QOL and the survival. The global 5-year survival is around 60%; somewhat better for AATD, compared to non-AATD COPD and after DLTx compared to SLTx. The best procedure of choice remains a matter for further discussion, although most centers prefer to perform DLTx, certainly in patients with underlying AATD.