Location
Philadelphia, PA
Start Date
10-5-2021 12:00 AM
End Date
13-5-2021 12:00 AM
Description
Background: Vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) of the face is an exceedingly complex procedure, requiring extensive planning and surgical precision in order to successfully manage patients with facial disfigurements. This review aims to present an overview of the salient anatomic considerations in facial transplantation, as well as give attention to unique patient populations and special considerations.
Methods: A literature review was performed in search of articles pertaining to considerations in facial transplantation using the databases PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane. Articles selected for further review included full-text articles with an emphasis on specific anatomic defects and how they were addressed in the transplant process, as well as management of special patient populations undergoing facial transplantation.
Results: In total, 19 articles were deemed appropriate for inclusion. This systematic review of the literature pertaining to considerations in facial transplantation revealed common themes, as well as the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to the procedure. The ultimate outcome is dependent upon the synchronization of subunits of the allograft and the desired functional outcomes, including osseous, ocular, oral, and otologic considerations. Management of specific pathology and subgroups of patients are critical aspects. Although pediatric face transplantation has not yet been performed, it is likely a future step in the evolution of this procedure.
Conclusion: When performing a face transplantation, many components must be considered pre-, intra-, and post-operatively. This systematic review presents specific anatomic considerations, as well as information about special patient populations within this cross-section of multidisciplinary microsurgery, psychiatry, and transplant immunology.
Embargo Period
6-10-2021
Special Considerations in Facial Transplantation: A Systematic Review
Philadelphia, PA
Background: Vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) of the face is an exceedingly complex procedure, requiring extensive planning and surgical precision in order to successfully manage patients with facial disfigurements. This review aims to present an overview of the salient anatomic considerations in facial transplantation, as well as give attention to unique patient populations and special considerations.
Methods: A literature review was performed in search of articles pertaining to considerations in facial transplantation using the databases PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane. Articles selected for further review included full-text articles with an emphasis on specific anatomic defects and how they were addressed in the transplant process, as well as management of special patient populations undergoing facial transplantation.
Results: In total, 19 articles were deemed appropriate for inclusion. This systematic review of the literature pertaining to considerations in facial transplantation revealed common themes, as well as the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to the procedure. The ultimate outcome is dependent upon the synchronization of subunits of the allograft and the desired functional outcomes, including osseous, ocular, oral, and otologic considerations. Management of specific pathology and subgroups of patients are critical aspects. Although pediatric face transplantation has not yet been performed, it is likely a future step in the evolution of this procedure.
Conclusion: When performing a face transplantation, many components must be considered pre-, intra-, and post-operatively. This systematic review presents specific anatomic considerations, as well as information about special patient populations within this cross-section of multidisciplinary microsurgery, psychiatry, and transplant immunology.