Acceptance of Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation (Face and Hand Transplant) in Singapore

Recent advancements and innovations in the burgeoning field of vascularized composite allotransplantation has enabled face and hand transplant to become a reality in the Western world. Plastic surgeons from the United States, France, and Spain have since performed vascularized composite allotransplantation as a novel therapeutic option in patients suffering from severe facial disfigurement and limb loss. Results have demonstrated remarkable functional and esthetic outcomes with improvements in the immense psychological, social, and emotional burdens that can arise in these patients. Despite the success of existing national solid organ transplant programs, face and hand transplant has yet to be established in this region. The specific aims of this study were to assess the attitudes and amount of risk Singaporeans are willing to accept towards receiving or donating face and hand transplants; and hence ultimately evaluate the feasibility of establishing such a program in Singapore.