# Experience of a novel lung transplant program in Mexico

## TL;DR

This paper describes the experience of the only lung transplant program in Mexico and the challenges it faces.

## Contribution

The paper presents insights from the first and only active lung transplant program in Mexico.

## Key findings

- The program performed 35 lung transplants between August 2017 and March 2023.
- Late patient referrals and limited access to transplant centers are major challenges.
- More transplant programs in Mexico may help reduce waiting list mortality.

## Abstract

Lung transplantation is the gold standard therapy for patients in the end stages of pulmonary disease. However, in numerous countries, candidates for lung transplants often die on the waiting list due to a shortage of donors and limited access to transplant centers. This article delves into the experience of our hospital, Christus Muguerza in Monterrey, Mexico, as the sole active lung transplant program in the country, having conducted 35 transplants from August 2017 to March 2023. We discuss the actual situation of lung transplantation in Mexico and the challenges we have faced over time, such as late patient referrals for evaluation and eventual transplantation. In addition, we outline the challenges we anticipate as more transplant programs emerge in the country.