ABSTRACT
Transplantation of solid organs and bone marrow has become a highly acceptable and
often the only available clinical solution in many situations. It has been practiced
across the globe for quite a long time since the first kidney transplant in 1954.
Transplantation of tissues other than these, which was termed composite tissue allotransplantation
and currently as vascularised composite allotransplantation (VCA) is gaining acceptance
as a solution for complex reconstructive problems. This involves the transfer of multiple
types of tissue such as bone, muscle, nerve, skin and blood vessels. The advantage
of these over the conventional reconstructive methods is its ability to give aesthetically
and functionally superior equal composite substitute to the missing or deformed part.
The composite tissues transplanted commonly include the upper extremities, face and
abdominal wall. Among these, hand transplants were the first to be done and have been
carried out more than any other VCA. This article reviews the current scenario of
VCA especially of the hand and face, in the light of experience of the two bilateral
hand transplants done recently in India.
KEY WORDS
Face transplant - hand transplant - vascularised composite allotransplantation
