[Patients in the Groningen lung transplantation program, 1990-1993; preliminary results of the medical technology assessment].

OBJECTIVE

Medical technology assessment of lung transplant programme in Groningen, the Netherlands.

DESIGN

Descriptive evaluation study.

SETTING

University Hospital Groningen.

METHOD

Description of the patient route through the treatment process of the transplantation programme.

RESULTS

From mid-1990 to 1-1-1994, 257 patients (M/F ratio approximately 1, median age 43 years) were evaluated. The most frequent diagnoses were: COPD/emphysema, cystic fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension and lung fibrosis. In 1991 relatively more patients came from the northern provinces, but in 1993 there was no difference from the rest of the Netherlands. Until 1-1-1994, 116 patients were excluded from the programme: 58 patients were denied transplantation in the early phase of the programme, 47 died, 6 withdrew and 5 were lost in follow-up. Until 1-1-94, 77 patients were placed on a waiting list and 35 of these underwent unilateral (n = 12) or bilateral transplantation (n = 23). One patient had a retransplantation. The 1-year survival rate was 84%. The mean time between admission and transplantation was 15 months.

CONCLUSION

The results of the lung transplantation programme in Groningen are promising.