First Russian Experience of Composite Facial Tissue Allotransplantation

The facial allotransplantation technique was first introduced to the general public in 2005. The definition of the face as a complex system of organs that perform social functions made possible the adaptation of this operation into clinical practice. The year 2010 was the starting point for initial research in the Russian Federation. Based on previous achievements and existing world experience in this field, facial allotransplantation was used for the first time in 2015 in St. Petersburg. The goal of this operation was to reconstruct a soldier’s central facial area after an electric burn; he was injured in the military line of duty. This article describes complications faced regarding the preparation for this operation, the issues encountered for facial tissue removal, as well as donor selection criteria. Each stage of the composite facial allotransplantation, complications that can occur during operation, milestone results, as well as the subsequent rehabilitation and immunosuppressive therapy during the 4-year patient observation period following surgery, including the description of a single episode of cell-humoral rejection of transplanted tissue, are described in detail. The experience gained from the first facial allotransplantation performed in Russia shows the possibility of using a new composite allograft to correct deformities in the central area of the face with the achievement of a successfully functioning and aesthetically pleasing result after the operation. After 4 years of dynamic observation and individual rehabilitation programs, the main goal of the facial transplantation, that is, social re-adaptation of the patient, was achieved.