Man disfigured by hunting accident becomes the oldest transplant recipient in the world

A 64-year-old man in Canada who was disfigured after a hunting accident became the oldest person in the world to receive a facial transplant, his doctors report.

Four months after the operation, performed at Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital in Montreal, the man regained the ability to breathe well and began to chew, smell and talk with his new face, according to a press release from the Montreal university. .

Seven years ago, the man was severely disfigured by an accidental shot. He lived in constant and excruciating pain and underwent five reconstructive surgeries. Social interactions and public appearances have become difficult, and the man, a natural extrovert, has chosen to stay inside and isolated, said the hospital.

It soon became clear that the only option was facial transplant to restore his jaws, facial muscles and nerves, teeth, lips and nose.

"As a plastic surgeon, I know that, no matter how small, facial wounds have a particularly symbolic aspect and are closely related to our identity," said plastic surgeon Daniel Borsuk in a statement. "Facial disfigurement can have a detrimental effect on self-confidence and productivity, and as a result, this transplant has offered immense hope and opportunity to our patient."

The 30-hour operation took place four months ago and involved more than 100 health professionals and professionals, including doctors, nurses and many other staff members.

Transplantation was made possible through an organ donation coordinated by Transplant Quebec, with the permission of the donor family.

"This delicate operation is the result of years of concerted and meticulous work by an incredible team and the incredible courage and cooperation of the patient and his family," Borsuk said. "Through the combination of science, technology, engineering, and art, we have tried to leverage the knowledge and experience of pioneers in the field to achieve the best facial graft possible for our patient. "

The procedure was the first successful transplant in Canada.

The first facial transplant in the world was performed in France in 2005. The recipient, Isabelle Diniore, died last year at the age of 49, 11 years after the operation.

Last month, it was reported that 21-year-old Katie Stubblefield became youngest recipient of a facial transplant after surviving a suicide attempt at the age of 18.