A team of skilled surgeons at Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont (CIUSSS de l’Est-de-l’Île-de-Montréal) has achieved a remarkable milestone by performing the first face transplant in Canada.
This groundbreaking procedure was led by renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Daniel Borsuk, in collaboration with the University of Montréal. It provided new hope to a 64-year-old man with extensive facial scarring.
With this successful operation, the patient became the oldest person ever to receive a face transplant, highlighting the extraordinary advancements in medical science and technology.
The procedure, which lasted over thirty hours, involved the coordinated efforts of more than one hundred professionals, including physicians, nurses, and other medical staff. Their seamless collaboration was crucial to the success of the transplant. This achievement was also made possible by the organ donation facilitated by Transplant Québec and the generosity of the donor’s family.
Dr. Borsuk, a professor at the Université de Montréal, expressed his gratitude to the team and emphasized the blend of science, technology, engineering, and art that was essential for this delicate operation. The expertise and innovative approaches of the pioneers in face transplantation significantly contributed to the success of this transformative procedure.
Four months post-operation, the patient has shown remarkable progress. He can now breathe independently, chew with his new jaws, smell through his new nose, and speak with his new lips. The patient, who suffered a gunshot wound seven years ago, had endured significant physical and emotional pain despite multiple reconstructive surgeries. The face transplant has greatly improved his quality of life.
Yvan Gendron, President and CEO of CIUSSS-EMTL, expressed pride in their institution’s excellence in reconstructive surgery, noting the transformative impact on patients’ lives.
The patient’s life had been significantly impacted by the need for a tracheostomy, which made breathing, sleeping, eating, and speaking challenging, leading to social isolation. The face transplant has offered him a chance to reclaim his social life.
The surgical team included nine surgeons specializing in plastic surgery, ENT, and maxillofacial surgery. The dedication and skill of the entire team made this unprecedented medical and scientific achievement possible.
Support from various partners, such as Johnson & Johnson, which donated medical equipment and surgical items, was essential to the success of the procedure.
Face transplants require extensive preparation, including years of surgical training and thorough physiological and psychological testing for both the medical team and the patient. Ethical considerations, logistics, and the donor family’s approval are also crucial steps in the process.
Dr. Borsuk emphasized the importance of the patient’s physical and mental well-being both before and after the surgery. Ongoing support will aid the patient’s adaptation to life post-transplant.
Face transplants remain rare, with around forty cases worldwide since 2005. The achievement of Dr. Borsuk and his team is a significant milestone not only for Canada but also for Commonwealth countries. Despite the complexity of the procedure and subsequent rehabilitation, face transplants are cost-effective compared to multiple reconstructive surgeries, allowing recipients to lead more productive lives.
Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont is renowned for its excellence in multiple medical specialties, including cranio-maxillofacial surgery. The hospital’s expertise and Dr. Borsuk’s skills have led to groundbreaking advancements in the field. Their commitment to using virtual surgical methods and 3D models ensures the best outcomes for patients.
Dr. Borsuk’s educational background and extensive experience have significantly contributed to his pioneering work. His collaboration with eminent face transplant experts, such as Dr. Eduardo Rodriguez, has allowed him to make notable contributions to facial reconstruction history.
Dr. Borsuk’s innovative techniques, including using vascularized pelvic bone for facial reconstruction, underscore his dedication to finding effective solutions for patients, including children requiring specialized care.
Dr. Borsuk’s achievements highlight the continuous advancements in medical science and their profound impact on patients’ lives. The success of Canada’s first face transplant not only brings hope to those in need but also demonstrates the medical community’s incredible progress in enhancing patients’ quality of life.
