Lung Transplant – Types, Procedure, Cost in India, Risks, Recovery, and Benefits (Updated Guide for 2026)
Why India Leads in Lung Transplants (2026 Update)
India has rapidly emerged as one of the world’s most trusted destinations for lung transplant surgery, thanks to its world-class hospitals, advanced technology, and highly experienced thoracic surgeons. In 2026, India continues to achieve survival rates comparable to leading centers in the US and UK, yet at a fraction of the cost.
For patients from the Middle East, Africa, the UK, the US, and Central Asia, India provides a combination of affordability, medical excellence, and compassionate care that few countries can match.
This guide covers everything international patients need to know — from types and procedure to cost, risks, recovery, and benefits — to help you make an informed and confident decision.
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What Is a Lung Transplant?
A lung transplant is a complex surgical procedure in which one or both damaged lungs are replaced with healthy lungs from a donor. The goal is to restore breathing function and improve life expectancy for people with end-stage lung disease.
Common Conditions That Require Lung Transplant:
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Pulmonary Hypertension
- Bronchiectasis or Sarcoidosis
Lung transplantation offers renewed life to patients who are no longer responding to medications or non-surgical treatments.
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Types of Lung Transplants Performed in India (2026 Update)
Top Indian hospitals like Apollo Hospitals, Fortis Healthcare, Yashoda Hospitals, and Medanta Medicity perform several types of lung transplants based on patient needs:
- Single Lung Transplant – Replacing one lung; suitable for diseases limited to one side.
- Double Lung Transplant – Replacing both lungs; preferred for cystic fibrosis or pulmonary hypertension.
- Lobar Lung Transplant – Partial lung segments transplanted from living donors.
- Heart–Lung Transplant – Both organs replaced simultaneously; performed in specialized centers.
| Type | Indication | Recovery Time | Approx. Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Lung | Localized disease | 6–8 weeks | $35,000 – $45,000 |
| Double Lung | Bilateral disease | 8–10 weeks | $50,000 – $70,000 |
| Heart-Lung | Combined failure | 10–12 weeks | $80,000 – $100,000 |
💡 Note: Costs vary depending on hospital, surgeon expertise, and post-transplant care duration.
Step-by-Step Lung Transplant Procedure in India
1. Pre-Transplant Evaluation
Comprehensive health screening is done to determine eligibility. This includes:
- Lung function tests (PFT, CT scan)
- Cardiac evaluation
- Infection screening
- Psychological and nutritional assessment
Top Centers: Apollo Hospitals (Chennai, Delhi), Yashoda Hospitals (Hyderabad), and Medanta Medicity (Gurgaon) have dedicated lung transplant evaluation units.
2. Donor Matching
Organ matching is based on blood type, body size, and lung compatibility. India’s organ-sharing network, NOTTO (National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization), ensures ethical and transparent allocation.
3. Surgery Day
The surgery lasts 6–12 hours under general anesthesia. The diseased lung(s) are removed, and donor lungs are attached to the airway and blood vessels. The patient is then moved to the ICU for ventilator support.
4. Post-Transplant Recovery
- ICU stay: 7–10 days
- Total hospital stay: 3–4 weeks
- Rehabilitation: breathing therapy, physiotherapy, and medication adjustment.
India’s hospitals provide multilingual transplant coordinators and interpreters for Arabic, Bengali, Swahili, and Russian-speaking patients.
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Lung Transplant Cost in India (2026 Updated Estimates)
India’s lung transplant cost remains 70–85% lower than in Western nations, making it one of the most affordable destinations globally.
| Type of Transplant | Average Cost (USD) | Hospitals |
|---|---|---|
| Single Lung Transplant | $35,000 – $45,000 | Apollo, Fortis, KIMS |
| Double Lung Transplant | $50,000 – $70,000 | Yashoda, Global, Medanta |
| Heart-Lung Transplant | $80,000 – $100,000 | Apollo, Fortis, MGM Chennai |
| Post-Transplant Care | $8,000 – $12,000 | Includes ICU, rehab, medicines |
💡 Note: The above costs cover surgery, hospitalization, and early recovery. Additional expenses may apply for donor arrangements, extended ICU care, or immunosuppressive medications.
Cost Comparison:
| Country | Average Cost (USD) | Savings (%) |
|---|---|---|
| India | $45,000 – $70,000 | — |
| USA | $1,200,000 | 85% |
| UK | $950,000 | 80% |
| Middle East | $350,000 | 70% |
💡 Insight: Choosing India for lung or heart-lung transplant can save up to 85% compared to the U.S. while maintaining global-quality outcomes and post-transplant care.
What’s Included:
- Surgeon’s fee and operating room charges
- Donor matching and organ procurement
- ICU and hospital stay
- Diagnostic tests and post-transplant physiotherapy
- Visa assistance and airport transfers (via Shifam Health)
💡 Tip: Shifam Health helps patients receive cost estimates directly from India’s leading transplant centers, with no hidden fees.
Top Hospitals for Lung Transplant in India (2026 Rankings)
1. Apollo Hospitals (Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad)
- Pioneers in lung and heart-lung transplants.
- 85–90% success rate.
- JCI and NABH accredited.
2. Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad
- Led by Dr. Sandeep Attawar, one of India’s top transplant surgeons.
- Known for complex double lung and heart-lung transplants.
3. Fortis Healthcare (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore)
- Dedicated organ transplant units with ECMO and advanced ICU care.
- High volume of international patients.
4. Medanta Medicity, Gurgaon
- Multi-organ transplant excellence with post-op rehab center.
- Over 200+ successful thoracic transplants.
5. Global Hospitals, Chennai
- Among the first private centers to perform combined lung and heart-lung transplants.
- Comprehensive care and international coordination team.
Leading Lung Transplant Surgeons in India (2026)
- Dr. Sandeep Attawar – Director, Lung Transplant Program, Yashoda Hospitals (Hyderabad) Over 200 successful lung transplants; internationally recognized expertise.
- Dr. Arvind Kumar – Chair, Institute of Chest Surgery, Medanta Medicity (Gurgaon) 30+ years’ experience; specializes in complex thoracic reconstructions.
- Dr. Anvay Mulay – Head of Thoracic Surgery, Fortis Hospital (Mumbai) One of India’s first surgeons to lead a successful heart-lung transplant.
- Dr. Rahul Chandola – Senior Consultant, Apollo Hospitals (Chennai) Expert in double lung transplants and minimally invasive thoracic procedures.
Eligibility and Donor Criteria
Patients are typically evaluated based on:
- Age (usually below 65)
- No active infection or cancer
- Commitment to lifelong follow-up and medication
- Supportive family or caregiver
Donor Matching:
Donors must have a compatible blood type, similar lung size, and no significant infection history. International patients can also be registered with India’s organ-sharing network via hospital assistance.
Risks and Complications
While success rates are high, a lung transplant is still a major surgery. Common risks include:
- Bleeding or infection during surgery
- Organ rejection
- Side effects from immunosuppressants (high BP, kidney strain)
How India Minimizes Risk:
- Advanced immunogenetic labs for precise donor matching
- AI-based post-op monitoring systems
- 24/7 critical care units led by transplant intensivists
Recovery After Lung Transplant in India
Hospital Recovery Phase
- ICU stay: 7–10 days
- Discharge after 3–4 weeks
- Regular chest X-rays, blood tests, and breathing assessments
Rehabilitation
- Breathing physiotherapy and walking programs
- Gradual return to normal activity
- Continuous medication (immunosuppressants)
Long-Term Follow-up
- Check-ups every 3 months in the first year
- Lung function tests and infection control
- Remote teleconsultation support (via Shifam Health partner hospitals)
💬 Example: A 52-year-old patient from Nigeria underwent a successful double lung transplant at Yashoda Hospitals and returned to work 9 months later with full breathing capacity.
Benefits and Success Rate of Lung Transplant in India
| Duration | Survival Rate (India Avg.) | Global Benchmark |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Year | 85–90% | 90% |
| 5 Years | 65–70% | 70–75% |
💡 Insight: India’s post-transplant survival rates closely match global standards, thanks to advanced ICU care, experienced surgeons, and improved immunosuppressive therapies.
Key Benefits:
- Dramatic improvement in oxygen levels and stamina
- Reduced hospitalizations and better quality of life
- Emotional and physical renewal
- Cost savings up to 80% compared to Western countries
India’s centers like Apollo and Yashoda now report long-term outcomes equal to some of the best international programs.
How Shifam Health Assists International Patients
At Shifam Health, we simplify every step of your lung transplant journey — from pre-arrival to post-recovery.
🌍 Our Support Includes:
- Free case evaluation and doctor opinion
- Fast medical visa assistance and FRRO registration
- Transparent cost estimates from top hospitals
- Travel logistics (airport pickup, hotel stay, interpreters)
- Post-surgery teleconsultations and medication support
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FAQs – Lung Transplant in India (Updated for 2026)
India’s average one-year success rate is 85–90%, matching international standards.
The cost ranges between $45,000–$70,000 depending on hospital, procedure type, and patient condition.
Yes. International patients can register through government-approved transplant programs with assistance from Shifam Health.
Most patients recover within 6–10 weeks, though full stamina can take up to a year.
Apollo, Fortis, Medanta, Yashoda, and Global Hospitals are among the top centers offering high success rates and ethical transplant programs.
Real Patient Stories
Case 1 – From the Middle East:
A 44-year-old patient from Oman with end-stage pulmonary fibrosis underwent a successful double lung transplant at Apollo Chennai. Within 8 months, he resumed normal activities and required minimal oxygen support.
Case 2 – From Africa:
A Nigerian engineer received a single lung transplant at Yashoda Hyderabad in 2025. He shared,
“The hospital care, post-surgery therapy, and affordability were unmatched. I paid less than one-tenth of what it would cost in the US.”
Case 3 – From Central Asia:
A 36-year-old Uzbek patient with cystic fibrosis was treated at Medanta Medicity, regaining full breathing capacity after 10 months of follow-up care.
Final Takeaway: Why Choose India and Shifam Health for Lung Transplant in 2026
India remains the global hub for advanced lung transplantation — combining cutting-edge technology, internationally trained surgeons, ethical donor systems, and exceptional cost efficiency.
At Shifam Health, we bridge the gap between patients and India’s best hospitals, ensuring transparency, comfort, and continuous medical guidance before and after surgery.
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