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Updated: Sep 6, 2025
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Facial Transplants in Xenopus laevis Embryos
Published on: March 26, 2014
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Special Considerations in Face Transplantation: A Systematic Review.
Melanie Shpigel1, Sammy Othman2, Jason E Cohn3
1Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, PA.
The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery
|June 27, 2022
Summary
Facial allotransplantation is complex, requiring detailed anatomic planning and consideration of unique patient groups for successful outcomes. This review highlights key factors for this intricate surgical procedure.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Innovation
- Transplant Surgery
- Microsurgery
Background:
- Vascularized composite allotransplantation of the face is a complex procedure for facial disfigurements.
- Requires extensive planning and surgical precision for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review salient anatomic considerations in facial transplantation.
- To address unique patient populations and special considerations in the procedure.
Main Methods:
- A literature review was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases.
- Included full-text articles focusing on anatomic defects and special patient populations.
Main Results:
- Computer-assisted technologies improve planning and intraoperative efficiency.
- Successful outcomes depend on allograft subunit synchronization and functional considerations (osseous, ocular, oral, otologic).
- Management of specific pathologies and patient subgroups is critical.
Conclusions:
- Facial transplantation requires comprehensive pre-, intra-, and post-operative planning.
- This review covers anatomic considerations and special patient populations in this multidisciplinary field.
- Pediatric face transplantation is a potential future advancement.
