Frontiers in Transplantation (Jul 2024)

Experience of a novel lung transplant program in Mexico

  • Mariana N. Zavala-Gómez,
  • Mariana N. Zavala-Gómez,
  • Patricia Rodríguez-de la Garza,
  • Patricia Rodríguez-de la Garza,
  • Uriel Chavarria-Martinez,
  • Uriel Chavarria-Martinez,
  • Manuel Wong-Jaen,
  • Manuel Wong-Jaen,
  • Manuel Wong-Jaen,
  • Adrián Camacho-Ortiz,
  • Adrián Camacho-Ortiz,
  • Lilia M. Rizo-Topete,
  • Lilia M. Rizo-Topete,
  • Lilia M. Rizo-Topete,
  • Alicia E. López-Romo,
  • Alicia E. López-Romo,
  • Alicia E. López-Romo,
  • Vicente Fuentes-Puga,
  • Vicente Fuentes-Puga,
  • Sergio S. Sánchez-Salazar,
  • Sergio S. Sánchez-Salazar,
  • Sergio S. Sánchez-Salazar

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/frtra.2024.1347603
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 3

Abstract

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Lung transplantation is the gold standard therapy for patients in the end stages of pulmonary disease. However, in numerous countries, candidates for lung transplants often die on the waiting list due to a shortage of donors and limited access to transplant centers. This article delves into the experience of our hospital, Christus Muguerza in Monterrey, Mexico, as the sole active lung transplant program in the country, having conducted 35 transplants from August 2017 to March 2023. We discuss the actual situation of lung transplantation in Mexico and the challenges we have faced over time, such as late patient referrals for evaluation and eventual transplantation. In addition, we outline the challenges we anticipate as more transplant programs emerge in the country.

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