Donor Face Reconstruction in a Case of Facial Allotransplantation: Technical Note

Abstract

Families of organ donors are much more reluctant to approve donation of the corneas, face, and hands than of internal organs. The idea to “sacrifice” the face of a dead loved one is shocking to many. Moreover, most national laws, including Belgian laws, demand respect for the corpse. When mourners view an open coffin, visible parts such as the hands and face should appear normal. Hence, careful donor face reconstruction is required in a case of facial allotransplantation.

We present a technique for donor face reconstruction that is both expedient and cost-effective. Instead of laboratory-cured silicone or acrylic polymers with internal and external coloration, an A-silicone impression material with a 2-minute set time and external colouring is used.

Key words:

• Tissue transplantation
• face
• facial bones
• maxillofacial prosthesis
• tissue donor.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

M.Y. Mommaerts

M. Mommaerts, M.D., D.M.D., Ph.D. MKA heelkunde AZ St. Jan Brugge – Oostende Ruddershove 10 B-8000 Brugge Tel.: [phone] Fax: [phone] E-mail: [email protected]