‘Lung transplant expected to begin soon in Bhopal’

Bhopal: Lung transplant procedures are expected to begin soon in Bhopal, with preparations now in their final stages, according to experts, who were at a symposium titled "Lung Transplant: The Road Ahead" held at AIIMS Bhopal.For residents of Bhopal, the development is significant. Until now, patients needing lung transplants had to travel to Delhi or Mumbai, often at high cost and risk. With the facility being readied locally, critically ill patients will gain faster access to life-saving treatmentLung transplants are complex operations lasting six to twelve hours, followed by prolonged ICU care and lifelong medication. Experts note that timely intervention can save lives in cases of end-stage lung disease, pulmonary fibrosis, COPD, and severe infections.According to a press release, the AIIMS event brought together experts from across India to train local doctors on patient selection, surgical techniques and post-operative care.Specialists from surgery, pulmonology, anesthesia, and critical care participated, stressing that the most difficult aspect of transplantation is determining which patients require the procedure most urgently. The programme also focused on precautions during surgery and the long-term monitoring needed after a transplant.Infrastructure upgrades are underway in Bhopal, including installation of advanced equipment such as ECMO and Heart-Lung machines. Doctors also underwent specialised training in Chennai to strengthen surgical readiness and ICU support, said AIIMS Bhopal official.