How long does it take to recover from a lung transplantation?
It takes 3 to 6 months to fully recover from a lung transplantation.
What is the life expectancy after lung transplantation?
The life expectancy after a lung transplantation can vary between 5 - 10 years or more.
How much does a lung transplantation cost?
The cost usually depends on a range of factors. This can only be quoted upon meeting the transplant coordinator.
What is the age limit for a Lung transplantation?
The usual age limit for lung transplantation is 65 years and below.
What to expect from a lung transplantation surgery?
As you recover from your transplantation, we will help you monitor your health and understand complications that may occur. After the transplantation, you may have weekly hospital visits for the first few months and then less frequent visits over time. You may also be asked to take a few tests like chest X-rays and pulmonary function tests. Bronchoscopy and CT scans of the chest will also be done in longer intervals.
Do I still need to worry about my surgery?
Thyroid Surgeries are Safe surgeries with minimal risks. Speak to your surgeon before Surgery and clarify all your doubts and concerns. Your surgeon will allay all your fears regarding the surgery.
Are there any complications during or after thyroid surgery?
Thyroid surgery is generally a safe procedure. The vast majority of patients undergoing an operation on the thyroid gland have no complications.
However, as with any surgical procedure, there are some risks associated with the operation and these will be fully explained to you by your surgical team.
Will I need Thyroid replacement tablets after my operation?
Patients who have had a total thyroidectomy or near-total thyroidectomy will need thyroid tablets postoperatively and this will be life long.
What are the potential complications that I should know?
The thyroid gland is close to many nerves and blood vessels and hence the surgery carries a minor risk involving injury to these structures. These are more likely to occur in patients undergoing Surgery for cancer Lymph node surgery Surgery for a large thyroid (goiter) Revision thyroid or lymph node surgery
Nerve Injury: There are nerves running in close proximity to the thyroid gland which is responsible for the quality and the pitch of your voice – Recurrent laryngeal nerves and the superior laryngeal nerves one each on each side. Injury to these nerves may result in a change in voice These voice changes are usually transient lasting for few days to few weeks. However, in very rare scenarios especially in thyroid cancer surgeries, there is a minimal risk of permanent voice damage. Hence professionals whose career involves their voice – like singers and teachers need to discuss with your surgeon prior to surgery. Uncommonly injury to laryngeal nerves on both sides may warrant placing a breathing tube through the windpipe (tracheostomy). In most instances, it is short-term.
Low Calcium levels: We have four parathyroid glands, two on each side, each about the size of a grain of a lemon seed attached behind the thyroid gland. They are involved in regulating calcium levels in the blood. Normally the surgeon identifies and saves some or all of these glands.
However, during thyroid surgery the parathyroid glands can be bruised, damaged, or excised, causing low calcium levels in blood manifested by a sensation of tingling in the fingers and lips (pins and needles sensation) and/or cramps in the fingers. Even if the parathyroid glands are saved, there may be stunning of the glands causing low calcium levels for several days to weeks. These may be managed by replacing calcium usually orally by tablets.
Other Potential Complications
Neck Numbness: Some patients may experience numbness around the thyroid surgery scar after their operation. This usually subsides with time.
Swallowing Difficulties: Mild swallowing difficulties may occur usually pain-related improves with analgesics
Wound related issues: Swelling around the wound may be seen for a few days – these are usually normal after surgery. Wound Infections are rarely seen Occasionally fluid may accumulate behind the wound called a seroma. Normally subsides with time.
Thyroid Storm: An Extremely rare complication in patients with the overactive thyroid gland (thyrotoxic patients) undergoing surgery Caused by a sudden excessive amount of thyroid hormone released into the bloodstream during surgery. Hence all thyrotoxic patients must be put on medications to achieve normal thyroxine levels prior to surgery.
Do I need to come for suture removal?
Normally an absorbable suture would be placed at the operative site and may not require removal of sutures. In case of any nonabsorbable suture usage, your surgeon will let you know when can they be removed. Thyroidectomy is not a particularly painful operation and pain relief is rarely necessary after 72 hours. It is normal to feel tired following thyroid surgery and it may take up to a month before you feel you have your energy levels back.
