LUNG TRANSPLANT POSTOPERATIVE CARE

Abstract

The clinical management of lung transplant patients shares principles with that of other grafts, especially in relation to immunosuppression, infectious risk and rejection surveillance. The management of the transplant patient needs to guarantee the following main points: Prevention or treatment of primary graft dysfunction (PGD – Primary Graft Dysfunction); adjustment of adequate antimicrobial prophylaxis, aiming at this moment mainly to cover bacteria present in the grafted lung, based on cultures collected at the time of organ harvesting and during surgery; adequate pain control; attention to kidney and heart function; extubation and early mobilization. The longevity and quality of life of the transplant patient are directly linked to the early recognition of complications, such as acute rejection, chronic graft dysfunction, neoplasms and renal failure, as well as sustained adherence to treatment and multidisciplinary support.