Face transplantation: challenges for the surgeon
In the last 20 years we have developed experimental models of complex allogenic transplantations such as that of limb, face or abdominal wali. In the same time we were cond ucting research on new protocols regarding minimal immunosupression and tolerance in Lransplantology. As a preparation for implementation of those transplants in clinical procedures as a treatment for patients with extensive injuries to the facia! skeleton we havc conductcd a scrics of anatomical simulations imitating a clinical face transplant. In 2004, after o btaining the necessary legal permissions ancl consent from the et hic.al committees, we have created in the Cleveland Glinie, the first program in the world of face transplantation in humans. The result of many years of preparations was a first, almost complete face transplant in the United States in December 2008.