The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi is embarking on a significant advancement in medical science with the introduction of face transplantation, a complex reconstructive surgery. As part of this initiative, the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Burns Surgery has organized a comprehensive training session focused on the procedure from February 11 to 15. This program takes place at the Burns and Plastic Surgery Block and includes a series of workshops aimed at enhancing skills essential for executing face transplants.

Expert Guidance from International Specialist

To facilitate this training, AIIMS has brought in Dr. Indranil Sinha, the Associate Chief of Plastic Surgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, affiliated with Harvard Medical School in Boston. Dr. Sinha is an internationally recognized authority in composite tissue allotransplantation, particularly in face transplant surgeries. The program will be co-led by Dr. Maneesh Singhal, the department head at AIIMS, alongside other faculty members such as Dr. Shashank Chauhan, Dr. Raja Tiwari, Dr. Rajkumar Manas, Dr. Shivangi Saha, and Dr. Aparna Sinha.

Workshop Components and Interdisciplinary Collaboration

The training workshop features hands-on cadaveric sessions, focused academic lectures, and multidisciplinary discussions encompassing various specialties including ENT, Maxillofacial Surgery, Nephrology, Immunology, Pathology, Psychiatry, Critical Care, Anatomy, and Operational Room-Based Operations (ORBO). These interactions aim to prepare the participating medical professionals for the comprehensive requirements of face transplantation.

Addressing Patient Selection and Challenges

Dr. Maneesh Singhal highlighted the pressing need for face transplants, especially for patients enduring severe facial deformities due to acid burns, gunshot injuries, and other traumatic events that have not responded to conventional surgeries. He emphasized the critical nature of selecting appropriate candidates for the procedure, stating that counseling is essential in determining eligibility. Patients with ongoing infections, those who are psychologically unfit, or those with cancers are deemed unsuitable for this complex surgery.

Commitment to Quality and Infrastructure

Dr. Indranil Sinha acknowledged the capability of AIIMS, asserting that the skill sets and infrastructure available are comparable to global standards. He expressed his commitment to supporting this initiative, recognizing its potential in transforming the lives of patients with significant facial challenges. Dr. Dipankar Bhowmick, the Head of the Nephrology Department, underscored the importance of immunosuppression in such surgeries, confirming that AIIMS has the necessary facilities and resources to manage this critical aspect effectively.

Management and Rehabilitation Focus

In conjunction with surgical expertise, the importance of psychological rehabilitation and continuous counseling for patients has been emphasized by Dr. Preethy K, an Assistant Professor in Psychiatry. She pointed out that the department is dedicated to offering specialized care for transplant patients and looks forward to supporting this groundbreaking initiative. The emphasis on structured training, ethical considerations, and collaborative efforts among different medical disciplines is pivotal as AIIMS prepares to undertake this advanced medical procedure.

Collaboration and Future Prospects

Notable attendees at this event included Dr. Indranil Sinha, Dr. Maneesh Singhal, Dr. Bhowmick, Dr. SB Ray, Dr. Preethy K, Dr. Shashank Chauhan, Dr. Shivangi Saha, and Dr. Sneha Singh. The workshop serves as a vital foundation for the integration of face transplantation into the medical capabilities of AIIMS, marking a transformative step in patient care for individuals with severe facial deformities.

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