Face Transplant Operation Completed in US– Fourth Across Globe

2008-12-17 19:38:23 (GMT) (WiredPRNews.com - Health & Fitness, News)

The first U.S. face transplant is undertaken in Cleveland hospital.

Wired PR News.com – A woman has undergone the first face transplant in the nation this month in a Cleveland hospital. As reported by the Associated Press (AP), Dr. Maria Sieminow, along with a team of other specialists, performed the operation using the face of a female cadaver, replacing 80 percent of the patient’s face.

The patient, whose identity has yet to be disclosed, is the fourth individual in the world to receive such an operation. Information regarding her condition that led to the need for this type of operation has been kept confidential per her family’s request. However, the Cleveland Clinic is expected to give a press conference about the surgery on Wednesday.

Face transplant surgery entails great risks for recipients including potential organ failure and other complications if the body rejects the new face. Doctors are optimistic that the extensive, careful preparation that went into the surgery will contribute to a successful outcome.

The first recipient of a partial face transplant, performed in 2005 in France, is reportedly doing well.