Can a patient with a history of pneumonectomy donate a lung?

Question

Given the complexities of lung transplantation and the ethical considerations involved, is it medically feasible for an individual who has undergone a pneumonectomy (surgical removal of an entire lung) to donate their remaining lung for transplantation?

Answer 1

While the idea of a pneumonectomy patient donating their remaining lung might seem altruistic, it is unfortunately not medically feasible.

Here's why:

• Lung Function: A single lung, even a healthy one, struggles to maintain adequate oxygenation for the entire body. Removing a second lung would severely compromise the recipient's respiratory function, leading to significant health risks and potentially fatal complications.
• Surgical Complexity: Transplanting a single lung from a pneumonectomy patient would present unique surgical challenges. The remaining lung might have undergone compensatory changes, making it difficult to match with a recipient's anatomy and physiology.
• Ethical Considerations: Allowing a pneumonectomy patient to donate their remaining lung raises ethical concerns about informed consent and potential harm to both the donor and recipient. The risks associated with such a procedure would likely outweigh any potential benefits.

Therefore, while the intention behind such a donation is commendable, the medical and ethical complexities make it an unviable option.