Donate
Call the Lung HelpLine
Ask a Question
The following text field filters the results that follow as you type. Use Tab to access the results.
  1. Home
  2. Lung Health & Diseases
  3. Lung Procedures, Tests & Treatments
  4. Whole Lung Lavage

Whole Lung Lavage

Patient wearing a pulse ox Patient wearing a pulse ox

What Is a Whole Lung Lavage (WLL)?

Whole lung lavage (WLL), also sometimes called lung washing, is a procedure that uses warm, sterile salt water (saline) to gently 'wash' one lung at a time and remove excess material from the air sacs of the lung. Removing this material can improve oxygen levels, reduce symptoms and help the lungs work better.

What to Expect When You Have a Whole Lung Lavage?

Knowing what to expect can help you feel more prepared for your WLL and make it easier to talk with your healthcare provider about any questions or concerns. Although the procedure may vary slightly from one treatment center to another, most whole lung lavage procedures follow these general steps:

You will have the procedure done in an operating room with the support of a specialized healthcare team. During the procedure, you will receive general anesthesia to keep you comfortable and asleep throughout the procedure. 

You will have the procedure done in an operating room with the support of a specialized healthcare team. During the procedure, you will receive general anesthesia to keep you comfortable and asleep throughout the procedure. 

Your healthcare team will slowly fill the treatment lung with warm, sterile salt water, called saline. The saline helps loosen and remove the material that has built up inside the air sacs of the lung.

While the saline is inside the lung, members of your healthcare team may gently massage, tap or vibrate your chest or have you wear a vibrating vest around your chest to help loosen and dislodge material from the tiny air sacs.  

The saline is then drained from the lung. The fluid often appears milky or cloudy because it contains the material that has been removed. The process of filling and draining the lung is repeated many times until the fluid becomes much clearer.

Once the washing is complete, any remaining fluid is removed from the lung. The breathing tube is removed when your healthcare team determines it is safe for you to breathe on your own. 

After the procedure, you will be monitored closely as your lungs recover. Your healthcare team will check your oxygen levels, breathing and overall recovery before you leave the hospital.

Get Support

Whole lung lavage is a specialized treatment that should be done by a provider with experience treating the underlying condition and performing the procedure. Because the diseases treated with whole lung lavage are often rare, not all hospitals offer this treatment. 

Talk with your healthcare provider about referral to a specialty center or contact the American Lung Association's Lung HelpLine at 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) to discuss available resources and support.

Contact the HelpLine

What Happens After a Whole Lung Lavage?

It is normal to feel tired, have a mild sore throat from the breathing tube or experience some coughing after the procedure. Your healthcare team will monitor your oxygen levels and breathing as you recover.

Most people stay in the hospital for at least one night, although the length of stay varies based on your overall health, how you recover from the procedure and the recommendations of the treatment center. Many people benefit from having a family member, friend or caregiver available to help with transportation and provide support after discharge. Your healthcare team will give you specific instructions about returning to normal activities and any follow-up care that may be needed.

Usually, one lung is washed at a time, and you may need to wait days or several weeks before treating the second lung, if needed. The timing of treatment is based on your symptoms, recovery and your healthcare provider's recommendations.

What Conditions May Be Treated by Whole Lung Lavage?

This procedure is primarily used to treat pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP), particularly autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, also called autoimmune PAP or aPAP, the most common form of the disease. WLL may also be used for other rare conditions including pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis, certain occupational lung diseases caused by dust exposure and some rare disorders that result in material accumulating inside the lungs.  

Some people may need additional WLL procedures in the future if symptoms return or excess material builds up in the lungs again. Your healthcare provider will monitor your condition and recommend additional treatment if needed.

What Are the Risks of Whole Lung Lavage?

Whole lung lavage (WLL) is generally considered a safe procedure when performed by an experienced team at a specialty center. However, as with any procedure that requires anesthesia and treatment of the lungs, there are some risks.

  • Low oxygen levels (hypoxemia) during or after the procedure 
  • Sore throat and temporary discomfort from the breathing tube and procedure 
  • Fever following the procedure 
  • Wheezing or short-term breathing problems 
  • Pneumonia or other lung infections 
  • Fluid leakage into the other lung or surrounding areas 
  • Pleural effusion (fluid buildup around the lung) 
  • Risks related to general anesthesia, such as reactions to medications or breathing complications
  • Pneumothorax (collapsed lung), which is uncommon 

Promotional support of this educational content is sponsored by Savara.

Page last updated: November 3, 2026

Best Practices for Radon Test Kit Distribution
, | Nov 18, 2026 Fight For Air Climb - Columbus, OH
Columbus, OH | Feb 20, 2027
See All Events