Surgery

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

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

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

Surgery Choices

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 Organ Transplant.