Cystic Fibrosis

Surgery may be needed to treat complications of cystic fibrosis. Procedures may include:

• Chest tube drainage and possible Reference thoracoscopy, to treat a collapsed lung (Reference pneumothorax Opens New Window).
• Reference Lung transplant Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window, for people who have severe lung disease.
• Repair of an Reference intestine that has collapsed inside itself Opens New Window or removal of a Reference bowel obstruction Opens New Window.
• Removal of Reference nasal polyps Opens New Window or Reference endoscopic Opens New Window sinus surgery.
• Abdominal (belly) or perineal (anal) surgery for Reference rectal prolapse Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window, in rare cases.

If your child is not able to get all the nutrients he or she needs from food, a Reference feeding tube Opens New Window may be needed.

Surgery choices

Reference Lung Transplant for Cystic Fibrosis

What to think about

Lung transplant surgery is generally recommended only for people who have severe lung damage, because the risks can be greater than the benefits. Not everyone is a good candidate for an organ transplant. If tests show you are a good candidate, you are put on a waiting list. You may have to wait days, months, or years for your transplant. Be patient, and ask your doctor what you can do while you're waiting. Guidelines from the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) are intended to shorten the wait time for donor lungs.

For more information on transplants, see the topic Reference Organ Transplant.

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