Looking the World in the Face: The benefits and challenges of facial transplantation for blind patients

Katrina A Bramstedt, Jan A Plock

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

10 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Total bilateral blindness in the setting of facial transplantation is a controversial matter. Some transplant teams exclude these candidates, while others accept them onto their facial transplant waiting list. Using 3 cases, the clinical and ethical complexity of total bilateral blindness is explored. Guidance (medical, psychological, and social) for total bilateral blindness as both an inclusion and exclusion criterion is provided, with the stipulation that total bilateral blindness should not be an automatic exclusion criterion for facial transplantation. Additionally, guidance for corneal transplant in facial transplant candidates is discussed. Suggestions for posttransplant disability assistance for patients with total bilateral blindness are also provided.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)79-83
Number of pages5
JournalProgress in Transplantation
Volume27
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2017

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