Face Transplant: Indications, Outcomes, and Ethical Issues-Where Do We Stand?

Area of Science:

• Reconstructive Surgery
• Transplantation Immunology

Background:

• Face allotransplantation (FT) represents a significant advancement in head and neck reconstructive surgery.
• This procedure involves complex composite tissue allotransplantation with unique challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive analysis of current face allotransplantation practices.
• To detail pre-procedural, intra-operative, and post-procedural aspects, including indications, outcomes, and ethics.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase databases.
• Search terms focused on face transplantation indications, complications, and ethical issues.
• Nineteen articles meeting specific follow-up criteria were included in the analysis.

Main Results:

• Recent achievements and long-term clinical sequelae of FT were classified and summarized.
• Analysis included 4435 initially identified records, with 19 articles meeting inclusion criteria.
• Key findings highlight the importance of meticulous patient selection and follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Future advancements in FT can integrate regenerative medicine and novel immunological strategies.
• Establishing international networks of FT experts is crucial for improving outcomes and reducing complications.
• Strict patient selection, clinical assessment, follow-up, and rejection management are paramount for success.