Current status of lung transplantation in Korea

: Since the first transplantation performed in 1963, lung (LT) has become primary treatment for end-stage disease. In Korea, LT was 1996 and number of transplants remained constant at approximately 10 cases a year until 2010, when LTs increased rapidly. One reasons this increase outbreak humidifier disinfectant-related acute respiratory distress syndrome 2011, which became an enormous public health concern Korea. The Korean Network Organ Sharing (KONOS), records all deceased-donor founded 2010 following enactment law. statistics Korea differ significantly from those International Society Heart Lung Transplantation (ISHLT). First, common indications are different; idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is most reason LT. Second, Allocation Score (LAS) considers only disease severity recipient prioritizing recipients; thus, nearly half recipients require extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) or mechanical ventilation support prior to transplantation. Third, because low rate usability donor paucity donors, waiting period increasing. Finally, there severe mismatch different regions postoperative 1-, 3-, 5-year survival rates according KONOS registry 61.8%, 52.3%, 45.3%, respectively. These poorer than published by ISHLT, possibly patients with more undergo Therefore, LAS needs be adjusted less disease, improve overall recipients.