The donor of the lung lobe needs to be somewhat larger than the recipient so that the single lobe is large enough to replace an entire lung. Living donors of lung lobes are healthy adult volunteers, usually close relatives, with recipient compatible blood types, and excellent pulmonary function. The incision is a horizontal one on the side of the lobe to be removed, between the ribs. The usual time spent recovering in the hospital is around 10 days. When the drainage tube has been removed and the donor is stable, discharge from the hospital occurs.
Most donors are able to return to their homes after the follow-up visit to the surgeon.
Since David is under 18 yrs. Three surgery rooms and teams will be utilized with the timing such that when the first lobe is removed, David will be open and ready at the Childrens Hospital. Obviously, the pain of the surgery Anyone coming in from a longer distance away will need to drive back home after recovery. Flying is not permitted for the first 2 months post surgery. Please know that this is not minor surgery.