Airway Complications after Lung Transplantation

Lung transplantation in patients with end stage lung disease can improve survival and quality of life. Airway complication incidence varies between 2-33%, but the true incidence is difficult to determine due to a lack of validated classification systems. There are many risk factors for post lung transplant airway complications, the most common being anastomotic ischemia, pulmonary infections, surgical technique and allograph dysfunction. Common complications include formation of granulation tissue, anastomotic stenosis, bronchial fistulas, anastomotic dehiscence, transplant related bronchomalacia and anastomotic infections. While the incidence of airway complications post-transplantation is low, they are associated with significant morbidity. Most of the complications can be managed via bronchoscopic interventions, but do require repeated procedures and hospitalizations.