[Facial transplantation: an overview of 8 of the 13 operations]. / Gelaatstransplantatie. Overzicht van 8 van de 13 operaties.

ABSTRACT

Composite tissue allotransplantation (CTA) is a new development in reconstructive surgery that makes it possible to use identical tissue to repair large mutilating deformities, to the face for example. Until now, 13 face transplants have been performed worldwide. The functional and aesthetic results are encouraging. However, the lifelong immunosuppressive therapy necessary to prevent rejection has considerable side effects.