Doctors transplant composite skull and scalp flap for the first time

Q.  What does VCA stand for in the context of multiple organ transplant?
- Published on 30 May 16

a. Vascularised composite allotransplantation
b. Vertical composite allotransplantation
c. Vital composite allotransplantation
d. None of the above

ANSWER: Vascularised composite allotransplantation
 
In a first-of-its-kind procedure, doctors in the U.S. have successfully transplanted a “composite” skull and scalp flap, along with kidney and pancreas - all from the same donor - in a 55-year-old patient.
  • The patient was suffering from a non-healing scalp defect and declining organ kidney and pancreas function, researchers said.
  • The experience may open the way to further procedures combining “vascularised composite allotransplantation” (VCA) with organ transplants, in patients who have already accepted the need for lifelong immunosuppressive therapy.
  • VCA refers to transplant procedures combining different types of tissues, such as skin, muscle, blood vessels, nerves, and bone.
  • Examples of VCA include face and hand transplantation

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