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JoannaPolish woman with neurofibromatosis becomes second face transplant patient in her home country
Country:
 Poland |
Content:
- A Second Chance at Life
- Neurofibromatosis: A Cruel Disease
- A Complex Surgery
- No Recurrence of Tumors
- Poland's First Face Transplant
- A Milestone in Transplant Surgery
- The First Full-Face Transplant
Joanna, a Polish Woman with Neurofibromatosis, Undergoes Face Transplant
A Second Chance at Life
Joanna, a Polish woman who became the second patient in her country to undergo a face transplant, has decided to go public with her story three years after the groundbreaking procedure. Known only by her first name, Joanna suffered from severe disfigurement due to a large tumor on her face. The facial transplant gave her a new lease on life, restoring her ability to chew, swallow, and speak.
Neurofibromatosis: A Cruel Disease
Joanna's affliction is neurofibromatosis, a genetic condition that causes benign tumors to grow along the nervous system. Neurofibromatosis has no cure and can lead to multiple health issues, including bone problems, spinal cord nerve pressure, severe pain, learning difficulties, vision problems, and hearing loss.
A Complex Surgery
The face transplant was performed by Dr. Adam Maciejewski, who had previously carried out the first such surgery in Poland. The complex procedure took 23 hours and involved transplanting 80% of Joanna's facial skin, enabling her to regain her vital functions.
No Recurrence of Tumors
Dr. Anand Saggar, a genetic expert involved in Joanna's case, explained that the transplanted skin was not affected by the genetic mutation that caused the tumors, making it unlikely that they will grow back on her face.
Poland's First Face Transplant
Dr. Maciejewski and his team had previously performed Poland's first face transplant on a man whose face had been severely injured by stone-processing equipment. The man's condition is reportedly steadily improving.
A Milestone in Transplant Surgery
The first face transplant in Poland was significant in that it was performed shortly after the injury. Previous transplant procedures had typically taken months or even years of preparation. The surgery also involved the reconstruction of the man's jaw, palate, and eye sockets.
The First Full-Face Transplant
The world's first "full-face" transplant was performed in March 2010 on Oscar, a Spanish farmer. Oscar had accidentally shot off much of his face while hunting. Before the transplant, he could not breathe, swallow, or speak properly on his own.
