Menu
25/10/2006
UK to perform first full-face transplant
British surgeons have been given permission to perform the world’s first full-face transplant.
Professor Peter Butler will head the team at the Royal Free Hospital, London, a spokesperson for the hospital said.
Around 30 potential patients from around the world have approached the team, but no one has been selected for the procedure.
Mr Butler said: “I feel delighted that we have got the go-ahead. It’s been a long journey but this is just the beginning really.
“The most important part of the process starts now, which is selection of the patients.”
Mr Butler has researched face transplants for several years, and will choose four patients from the UK or Ireland. They are likely to have pan-facial disfigurement, such as severe burns affecting the whole face.
The operation will involve removing skin, underlying fat and eight blood vessels as well as four arteries and four veins from a donor patient.
“These patients will have already undergone reconstructive surgery – perhaps they will have had 50 to 70 reconstructive operations,” he explained.
“They have reached the end of the constructive ladder and there’s nothing more it can offer them.
Butler also explained further problems of integration into society as a key factor when considering candidates, stating they want to be able to “walk down the street in society without anybody staring at them. That’s all these people want – to be normal.”
French surgeons last year performed the first partial face transplant, on Isabelle Dinoire, 38 after her pet dog mauled her.
(JM)
Professor Peter Butler will head the team at the Royal Free Hospital, London, a spokesperson for the hospital said.
Around 30 potential patients from around the world have approached the team, but no one has been selected for the procedure.
Mr Butler said: “I feel delighted that we have got the go-ahead. It’s been a long journey but this is just the beginning really.
“The most important part of the process starts now, which is selection of the patients.”
Mr Butler has researched face transplants for several years, and will choose four patients from the UK or Ireland. They are likely to have pan-facial disfigurement, such as severe burns affecting the whole face.
The operation will involve removing skin, underlying fat and eight blood vessels as well as four arteries and four veins from a donor patient.
“These patients will have already undergone reconstructive surgery – perhaps they will have had 50 to 70 reconstructive operations,” he explained.
“They have reached the end of the constructive ladder and there’s nothing more it can offer them.
Butler also explained further problems of integration into society as a key factor when considering candidates, stating they want to be able to “walk down the street in society without anybody staring at them. That’s all these people want – to be normal.”
French surgeons last year performed the first partial face transplant, on Isabelle Dinoire, 38 after her pet dog mauled her.
(JM)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
31 August 2006
Law change for organ donors
Radical changes to laws governing organ and tissue donation are being introduced, which may lead to more life-saving transplant operations. Under the Human Tissue Act 2004, which comes into effect on September 1, relatives will no longer have the right to overrule the wishes of loved ones to donate organs or tissue after their death.
Law change for organ donors
Radical changes to laws governing organ and tissue donation are being introduced, which may lead to more life-saving transplant operations. Under the Human Tissue Act 2004, which comes into effect on September 1, relatives will no longer have the right to overrule the wishes of loved ones to donate organs or tissue after their death.
28 June 2007
Baby Zoe has heart transplant
The baby girl at the top of the heart transplant list has received a donor heart. At just 18-months-old Zoe Chambers from Hull had already suffered six heart attacks due to a narrow heart valve. Doctors at Freeman Hospital in Newcastle say that the transplant operation went well and Zoe is in a stable condition.
Baby Zoe has heart transplant
The baby girl at the top of the heart transplant list has received a donor heart. At just 18-months-old Zoe Chambers from Hull had already suffered six heart attacks due to a narrow heart valve. Doctors at Freeman Hospital in Newcastle say that the transplant operation went well and Zoe is in a stable condition.
22 September 2008
Scottish Government Pledges Cap On Surgery Waiting Times
Scottish patients may soon have a legal guarantee that they will wait no longer than 12 weeks for surgery. The Scottish Government's Patient Rights Bill proposes a strict limit on how long they have to wait from their surgical referral to receiving their operation.
Scottish Government Pledges Cap On Surgery Waiting Times
Scottish patients may soon have a legal guarantee that they will wait no longer than 12 weeks for surgery. The Scottish Government's Patient Rights Bill proposes a strict limit on how long they have to wait from their surgical referral to receiving their operation.
05 June 2006
First beating heart transplant conducted in UK
Doctors have performed the UK's first successful beating-heart transplant. A team at the Papworth Hospital in Cambridge carried out the procedure on a 58-year-old man two weeks ago. The new technique involved keeping the donated heart warm and beating throughout the procedure.
First beating heart transplant conducted in UK
Doctors have performed the UK's first successful beating-heart transplant. A team at the Papworth Hospital in Cambridge carried out the procedure on a 58-year-old man two weeks ago. The new technique involved keeping the donated heart warm and beating throughout the procedure.
14 August 2014
30 Women Recalled For Breast Screening Over Doctor Concerns
Up to 30 women are to be recalled for breast cancer screenings after five patients treated by the same doctor developed the disease. Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust has identified the group of 30 women from a total of 626 that were seen between 2011 and 2014. It is understood that the women need "urgent appointments" for reassessment.
30 Women Recalled For Breast Screening Over Doctor Concerns
Up to 30 women are to be recalled for breast cancer screenings after five patients treated by the same doctor developed the disease. Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust has identified the group of 30 women from a total of 626 that were seen between 2011 and 2014. It is understood that the women need "urgent appointments" for reassessment.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
