Lung transplantation: disease-specific considerations for referral.

The timing of the referral and listing of patients for lung transplantation remains a difficult decision. Life expectancy and quality of life with and without transplantation are the pivotal issues that need to be considered by physicians and presented to prospective transplant candidates. The recognition of recent advances in the understanding of the various primary diseases, other potential therapies, and the latest posttransplant statistics are essential for a balanced discussion or decision about lung transplantation. This article provides a review of these and other pertinent issues for patients with various forms of advanced lung disease.