A team of skilled surgeons at Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont (CIUSSS de l’Est-de-l’Île-de-Montréal) has achieved a medical milestone by performing the first face transplant in Canada.
Under the leadership of esteemed plastic surgeon Dr. Daniel Borsuk, in partnership with the University of Montréal, this pioneering surgery has given new hope to a 64-year-old man, making him the oldest recipient of a face transplant to date.
The operation, lasting over thirty hours, involved the collaboration of a diverse team of over one hundred professionals, including physicians, nurses, and medical staff. The successful outcome of the transplant was greatly influenced by the coordinated efforts of the team, organ donation through Transplant Québec, and the donor family’s compassion.
Dr. Borsuk, a professor at the Université de Montréal, acknowledged the contribution of science, technology, engineering, and art in this intricate operation. The collective expertise and innovative methods from pioneers in face transplantation were key to its success.
Four months post-operation, the patient has shown remarkable improvements. He has regained the ability to breathe, chew, smell, and speak, using his newly transplanted facial features. The patient, who suffered extensive facial scarring from a gunshot wound seven years earlier, had undergone numerous unsuccessful reconstructive surgeries, leading to continued physical and emotional pain. This face transplant has crucially enhanced his quality of life.
Yvan Gendron, President and CEO of CIUSSS-EMTL, highlighted the transformative impact of reconstructive surgery, noting its role in restoring normalcy for patients.
Before the transplant, the patient struggled with a tracheostomy, which significantly hindered his ability to breathe, eat, sleep, and socialize, causing him to become isolated. The face transplant has not only addressed these physical issues but has also opened up possibilities for a more active and engaging social life.
The surgical team included nine surgeons specializing in plastic, ENT, and maxillofacial surgery, whose expertise was pivotal in this complex procedure. Support from partners like Johnson & Johnson, who donated medical supplies, also contributed to the success of the transplant.
Preparing for a face transplant involves extensive surgical training, thorough psychological and physiological assessments, and managing ethical, logistical, and familial consent aspects. Dr. Borsuk stressed the importance of providing continuous support to the patient for optimal physical and mental recovery post-surgery.
Face transplants are still rare globally, with about forty instances since 2005. This landmark achievement by Dr. Borsuk and his team not only signifies a major advancement for Canada but also for the broader Commonwealth. Despite the complexities and extensive rehabilitation required, face transplantation has proven to be a cost-effective alternative to repeated reconstructive surgeries, enabling recipients to lead more fulfilling lives.
Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont is renowned for its expertise in various medical fields, including cranio-maxillofacial surgery. Dr. Borsuk’s commitment to utilizing cutting-edge technologies like virtual surgical planning and 3D modeling has been instrumental in achieving the best patient outcomes.
Dr. Borsuk’s extensive training and his collaborations with leading experts in face transplantation, such as Dr. Eduardo Rodriguez, have enriched his contributions to the field of facial reconstruction.
His innovative approach, including the use of vascularized pelvic bone in facial reconstruction, demonstrates his dedication to developing effective treatments, particularly for children needing specialized care.
Dr. Borsuk’s pioneering efforts are a testament to the ongoing advancements in medical science and their significant impact on improving patients’ lives. The successful execution of Canada’s first face transplant not only offers hope to those in need but also highlights the remarkable progress in enhancing patient care within the medical community.
