Composite tissue allotransplantation of the lower leg: a plastic surgeon's perspective.

摘要

Given the recent reports on composite tissue allo-transplantation (CTA) of hands,1 one is tempted to ask when it is time to consider transplantation of the lower extremity. From September 1998 to September 2007, 38 hands (18 unilateral and 10 bilateral hand transplantations) and 2 digits have been reported with a follow-up period ranging from 6 months to 9 years.2 In the compliant patient, patient and graft survival has reached 100%. Rejection with subsequent loss of upper extremity allo-transplants is due mainly to patient noncompliance regarding immunosuppressive therapy.