Jun Ho Choi1, Kwang Seog Kim1, Jun Ho Shin2, Jae Ha Hwang1, Sam Yong Lee1. 1. Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea. 2. Department of Preventive Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: In scalp allotransplantation, the scalp from a brain-dead donor, including hair, is transferred to a recipient with scalp defects. Opinions differ on the appropriateness of scalp allotransplantation. In order to maintain graft function and cosmetic outcomes, scalp transplantation recipients would need to receive lifelong immunosuppression treatments. The risks of this immunosuppression have to be balanced against the fact that receiving a scalp allotransplant does not extend lifespan or restore a physical function. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate risk acceptance and expectations regarding scalp allotransplantation in different populations. METHODS: A questionnaire survey study was conducted. A total of 300 subjects participated; survey was conducted amongst the general public (n=100), kidney transplantation recipients (n=50), a group of patient who required scalp reconstruction due to tumor or trauma (n=50), and physicians (n=100). The survey was modified by using the Korean version of the Louisville instrument for transplantation questionnaire. RESULTS: Risk acceptance and expectations for scalp transplantation varied widely across the groups. Kidney transplantation recipients revealed the highest risk acceptance and expectations, whereas the physicians were most resistant to the risks of scalp transplantation. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that, in specific groups, scalp allotransplantation and the need for immunosuppression carries an acceptable risk despite the lack of lifeextending benefits. Our results suggest that scalp allotransplantation can be an acceptable alternative to existing scalp reconstruction surgeries in patients with pre-existing need for immunosuppression.
BACKGROUND: In scalp allotransplantation, the scalp from a brain-dead donor, including hair, is transferred to a recipient with scalp defects. Opinions differ on the appropriateness of scalp allotransplantation. In order to maintain graft function and cosmetic outcomes, scalp transplantation recipients would need to receive lifelong immunosuppression treatments. The risks of this immunosuppression have to be balanced against the fact that receiving a scalp allotransplant does not extend lifespan or restore a physical function. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate risk acceptance and expectations regarding scalp allotransplantation in different populations. METHODS: A questionnaire survey study was conducted. A total of 300 subjects participated; survey was conducted amongst the general public (n=100), kidney transplantation recipients (n=50), a group of patient who required scalp reconstruction due to tumor or trauma (n=50), and physicians (n=100). The survey was modified by using the Korean version of the Louisville instrument for transplantation questionnaire. RESULTS: Risk acceptance and expectations for scalp transplantation varied widely across the groups. Kidney transplantation recipients revealed the highest risk acceptance and expectations, whereas the physicians were most resistant to the risks of scalp transplantation. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that, in specific groups, scalp allotransplantation and the need for immunosuppression carries an acceptable risk despite the lack of lifeextending benefits. Our results suggest that scalp allotransplantation can be an acceptable alternative to existing scalp reconstruction surgeries in patients with pre-existing need for immunosuppression.
Entities:
Keywords:
Patient acceptance of health care; Reconstructive surgical procedures; Scalp; Surveys and questionnaires; Vascularized composite allotransplantation
Authors: John H Barker; Allen Furr; Michael Cunningham; Federico Grossi; Dalibor Vasilic; Barckley Storey; Osborne Wiggins; Ramsey Majzoub; Marieke Vossen; Pascal Brouha; Claudio Maldonado; Christopher C Reynolds; Cedric Francois; Gustavo Perez-Abadia; Johannes M Frank; Moshe Kon; Joseph C Banis Journal: Plast Reconstr Surg Date: 2006-09 Impact factor: 4.730
Authors: Pascal Brouha; Deepak Naidu; Michael Cunningham; Allen Furr; Ramsey Majzoub; Federico V Grossi; Cedric G Francois; Claudio Maldonado; Joseph C Banis; Serge Martinez; Gustavo Perez-Abadia; Osborne Wiggins; Moshe Kon; John H Barker Journal: Microsurgery Date: 2006 Impact factor: 2.425