Barcelona hospital performs a face transplant using a donor who has died of assisted dying

Hospitals in Barcelona Has carried out a First ever face transplant performed on a dying donorThe landmark in global transplant medicine is marked by.

The operation was performed at Vall d’Hebron University HospitalThe project involved around 100 medical professionals, and used some of today’s most advanced transplant technologies.

The donor, who underwent Spain’s assisted dying procedure (known as PRAM) under the country’s legally regulated framework, chose not only to donate her organs and tissues but also her face – a decision doctors described as an extraordinary act of generosity.

Doctors performed a partial face transplant of type I, replacing the central portion of the recipient’s facial tissue after severe tissue damage was caused by an infection.

The surgery took between 15 and 24 hrs. and involved the transplantation of skin, muscles, nerves and fat to restore vital function such as speaking, breathing and chewing.

Prior to approval the recipient undergoes extensive medical and social assessments. The recipient’s psychological readiness, ability to adapt, and social support network were evaluated along with physical suitability.

To ensure compatibility, both the donor and recipient must have a similar sex, same blood group and facial structure.

You can watch the video to see a patient who has had a face transplant. 

Spanish assisted suicide

Spain is one of the few countries to have laws regulating assisted dying. This case demonstrates how organ and tissues donation can be a life-changing event in the medical world.

“Donors, and their families, always do an incredible act of generosity and kindness. But this case demonstrates a maturity that is beyond words.” A person who decides to end their own life gives a stranger a second chance and fulfills one of his or her last wishes,” said Dr Elisabeth Navas of Vall d’Hebron’s Donation and Transplants Medical Coordinator.

Achievements of the University Hospital Vall d’Hebron

Around 20 hospitals worldwide are capable to perform face transplants. In 2010, Vall d’Hebron performed the first ever full face transplant.

The surgical plan was millimetre-accurate thanks to the advanced 3D printing and imaging technology. Before the operation, teams were able to prepare by creating three-dimensional digital facial models and custom surgical guides.

Specialists produced silicone masks for protection and cutting guides so that the donor’s face was respectfully reconstructed after donation.

After a month of intensive care in the hospital, the patient began facial rehab to slowly restore her movement, expression, and speech.

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