A 64-year-old man from Canada was left with a disfigured face through an accident, which he had encountered during hunting seven years back, is now able to smell, chew, speak and breathe properly after having undergone the first-ever face transplant in the country.
As per a news release from the University of Montreal, the operation of 30 hours had taken place in the month of May and it required the collaboration of more than 100 medical practitioners, specialists as well as surgeons.
This was a delicate operation and its success was the result of a number of years of concerted, meticulous work, which had got undertaken by a truly incredible team along with the support provided by the patient and his family through their outstanding bravery and cooperation. It is according to what Dr. Daniel Borsuk, the lead surgeon of the Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital and the University of Montreal said through a press release.
The man, who had to get operated, his named was not disclosed in the press release. He had to undergo five reconstructive surgeries and was leading his life with tracheostomy, which had caused him to face loads of problems while breathing, sleeping, and eating as well as in speaking.
Dr. Borsuk said that he, as a plastic surgeon, is aware of the fact that no matter how large or small it is, injuries of any kind to the face have a kind of symbolic aspect and are closely associated to one’s identity. He further went on to say that, face getting disfigured can have a damaging effect on self-confidence as well as productivity and hence this transplant had offered tremendous hope and possibility to their patient.
Approximately 40 face transplants have taken place since the year 2005 and the man from Canada is supposed to be the world’s oldest individual. Dr. Borsuk said that, as a team, they wanted to make sure that the recipient would take in his stride, what was turning out to be a major change in his whole existence, having the best possible health condition and getting all the required information along with psychological support.
