Airway complications post lung transplantation.

Purpose Of Review: Advancements in surgical techniques, immunosuppression, graft retrieval, and postoperative care of lung transplant recipients has led to a decline in the incidence of airway complications since the first lung transplant was performed in 1963. Although improved, these complications remain a source of morbidity and mortality for lung transplant recipients.

Recent Findings: Identification and management of risk factors is ideal, although interventional bronchoscopy techniques have allowed management of many airway complications in a less invasive fashion. With current management, mortality related to airway complications is now the same as mortality in lung transplant recipients without airway complications.

Summary: This review summarizes the six major classes of airway complications post lung transplantation, with descriptions of radiographic findings and current management.