Aim

This meta-analysis aimed to compare the outcomes of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in lung transplantation.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases for studies comparing ECMO to CPB in lung transplantation. Odds ratios (ORs) for binary endpoints and mean differences (MDs) for continuous outcomes were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model was applied for all endpoints. I² statistics was used to assess heterogeneity.

Results

Fourteen studies with a total of 1797 patients were included. ECMO was associated with significant reductions in hepatic dysfunction (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.25–0.90), hemodialysis (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.43–0.88), severe graft rejection (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.23–0.78), one-year mortality (OR 0.70; 95% CI 0.51 to 0.98; p = 0.04; I² = 13%) and tracheostomy rates (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.46–0.86). Additionally, ECMO reduced the length of hospital stay (MD − 5.69 days, 95% CI − 9.31 to − 2.08) and ICU stay (MD − 6.02 days, 95% CI − 8.32 to − 3.71). However, ECMO was associated with longer total ischemic time (MD 61.07 min, 95% CI 3.51 to 118.62). No significant differences were observed for stroke, thromboembolic events, atrial fibrillation, or 30-day and 3-year mortality.

Conclusions

ECMO offers perioperative advantages in lung transplantation, reducing postoperative complications, one-year mortality, and recovery time compared to CPB. However, the longer total ischemic time with ECMO warrants further investigation into its long-term outcomes.