You can call (352) 265 8940 to make a referral the to lung transplant program at the Shands Transplant Center at the University of Florida. During the recovery process, each patient undergoes an extensive education process. All patients receive the Lung Transplantation Handbook prepared by the Shands Transplant Center team.

The handbook helps patients understand the lung transplantation process, the benefits, the dangers and the changes he or she must make in his or her lifestyle after the transplant.

Patients learn to:

• Use a spirometer (an instrument that measures the air entering and leaving the lungs)
• Record spirometer results
• Notify the transplant coordinator of unusual spirometer results
• Record a pulse
• Record blood pressure
• Record temperature and weight

Patients must pass a verbal test prior to discharge to demonstrate understanding of their medication regimen, significance of laboratory tests, signs and symptoms of rejection or infection and clinic follow-up.

Clinical psychologists evaluate each patient posttransplant and six months after hospital discharged. The lung transplant social worker will offer supportive counseling to patients and their families to facilitate the post-transplant course and to monitor for other needs.

Clinic visits are arranged for outpatient blood draws at Shands at UF. If Shands at UF is too far from the patient's home, this can be done at a closer facility.

Returning home
Most patients are discharged home in less than three weeks after their lung transplant operation. They are instructed to remain in Gainesville for the next 30 days and our social workers help them find suitable accommodations. The 30 days are used for outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation, wound management and adjustment of immunosuppressive medications.

Laboratory testing is performed on a regular basis, usually at a local hospital or clinic laboratory. Results are reported to the transplant office and can be forwarded to the referring physician's office if desired. Patients can monitor their blood pressure, temperature and lung function tests at home.

If an abnormal trend is identified, further evaluation and diagnostic tests may be warranted. Rejection and infection are lifelong risks but are most likely to occur within the first six months after transplant.

Primary care is usually returned to the patient's referring physician about six months after surgery. In most instances, patients will return home with a healthy lung, with the ravages of end-stage lung disease eliminated. In addition to attending to the patient's general healthcare, the referring physician needs to pay special attention to the possibility of drug interactions when prescribing new medications.

Transplant Housing
The Shands Transplant Center offers Transplant Housing for lung transplant patients and immediate family members during the pre-and post-transplant phases. The two-story building currently has eight furnished apartments, each with a kitchen, full bathroom, lounge area and closet space. The apartments are located less than 100 yards from the main entrance to the hospital.

HomeCare
Shands HomeCare has an extensive network throughout North Central Florida. HomeCare caregivers undergo the same "hands-on" competency validation as hospital-based staff and are trained to manage complex patients in all disciplines. Shands HomeCare team members work directly with the transplant team to focus on the unique medical and personal needs of each patient and facilitates a smooth transition to post-transplant care in the home.

Lung Support Group
The Shands Transplant Center's Lung Transplant Program proudly supports the Second Wind Lung Transplant Association. This support group provides education and psychosocial support for patients who have lung disease, who are awaiting lung transplants or who have been transplanted.

Statistics
Success rate and various other statistics regarding the Shands Transplant Center at UF are available from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients at ustransplant.org.

Information
For more information about the Shands Transplant Center Lung Transplant Program, please call (352) 265-8940.

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Make an Appointment

To make an appointment or find out more information about transplant services offered at Shands at the University of Florida, please call 352.265.8000 or toll-free 1.800.749.7424

You may also email our Consultation Center (consult@shands.ufl.edu) or use our secure online form.