First Polish face transplant a success

Photo: Glowimages

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, staff at Gliwice's Centre of Oncology revealed that the recipient was a 33-year-old man who had suffered an accident at work.

The surgery was carried out on 15 May, under a team led by Professor Adam Maciejewski, and the patient is understood to be in a serious but stable condition.

Since 2001, Gliwice's Centre of Oncology has provided reconstructive surgery to over 1000 patients.

Doctors at the centre have been preparing for a full facial transplant for many years. Tests were made on the bodies of people who had agreed for their remains to be used for medical purposes.

Professor Maciejewski estimates that about 120 people in Poland who suffered severe disfigurement are eligible for the surgery. (nh)

Source: PAP