A lung transplant is a life-saving procedure for individuals with end-stage lung disease. At Narayana Health, we combine advanced surgical expertise, critical care support, and long-term rehabilitation to give patients a second chance at life.

A lung transplant is a life-saving procedure for people with severe lung disease. At Narayana Health, every step—from surgery to critical care and long-term recovery—is guided by experienced teams of doctors helping patients recover and offering them a second chance at life.

Overview

For patients with irreversible lung damage, everyday activities such as walking, eating, or even speaking can become exhausting. A lung transplant replaces the damaged lungs with healthy ones from a deceased donor, helping patients breathe easier and reclaim their lives.

At Narayana Health, we offer a comprehensive Lung Transplant Programme — from diagnosis and listing to surgery and lifelong post-transplant care.

Since the inception of our Lung Transplant Programme in 2017, we have performed 25 successful lung transplants across India.

Our hospitals are equipped with state-of-the-art ICUs, ECMO support systems, specialised infection control protocols, and respiratory rehab units.

Why Narayana Health is One of the Best Hospitals in India for Lung Transplant

Dedicated lung transplant teams: pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, anaesthetists, intensivists, transplant nurses

Expertise in single-lung, double-lung, and heart-lung transplants

We use ECMO to support critical patients until they’re ready for a lung transplant.

Specialised operating theatres and transplant ICUs with advanced respiratory care

Long-term outpatient transplant clinics and rehabilitation support

Multidisciplinary tumour boards for complex lung cases like pulmonary fibrosis or cystic fibrosis

What is a Lung Transplant?

A lung transplant is a major procedure where a damaged lung—sometimes both—is replaced with a healthy one from a donor who has passed away. It’s considered when other treatments are no longer helping the person breathe better or manage their condition.

When is a Lung Transplant Needed?

Doctors may recommend a lung transplant when:

A patient has end-stage lung disease that does not respond to medicines or other treatments

Oxygen therapy is no longer sufficient

Lung function has significantly declined

Recurrent hospitalisations for lung complications

Lung Conditions Treated with Transplant

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)

Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)

Cystic Fibrosis (CF)

Pulmonary Hypertension

Sarcoidosis

Bronchiectasis

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency

Silicosis and other occupational lung diseases

Lung Transplant Services at Narayana Health

Single-lung and double-lung transplants

Combined heart-lung transplant in specific cases

ECMO bridge-to-transplant support for critically ill patients

Comprehensive pre-transplant assessment: pulmonary, cardiac, renal, and psychological evaluation

Blood typing, HLA matching, and desensitisation protocols

Post-surgical ICU and ward care with infection prevention

Long-term follow-up for immunosuppression, lung function, and lifestyle counselling

Structured physiotherapy and pulmonary rehabilitation programmes

Benefits of Lung Transplant

Improved lung function and oxygen levels

Reduced dependence on oxygen cylinders or non-invasive ventilation

Fewer respiratory infections and hospitalisations

Increased ability to perform physical activities

Better quality of life and prolonged survival

Who Can Receive a Lung Transplant?

Adults and children with end-stage lung disease

Patients with a life expectancy of less than 2–3 years without a transplant

Those physically fit for major surgery

No active cancer, serious infection, or uncontrolled systemic disease

Commitment to long-term follow-up and medication adherence

Who Can Donate Lungs?

Deceased donors aged 18–55 with healthy lungs

No history of chronic lung disease, infection, or smoking

Donor must have compatible blood group and pass lung function evaluation

Consent for organ donation must be obtained and verified ethically and legally