A partial skull transplant performed in an American – Why doctor?

For the first time, US doctors have managed the feat to graft a portion of the skull in a man.

This is a medical first, a team of American surgeons carried out the transplant of part of the skull and scalp of a 55 years. The operation, which took place in the Houston Methodist Hospital (Texas), was intended to relieve the patient of a large wound in the skull, caused by treatment for cancer which he suffered. Operated on May 22, he is now able to find his home and live normally.

To carry out this operation, 50 medical experts were dispatched. Among them, specialists in reconstructive surgery, neurosurgeons, different surgeons and nurses. In total, nearly 15 hours Jim Boysen had to spend in the operating room. Prof. Jesse Selber University of Texas, one of the main instigators of this transaction analysis prowess: “It was of course very exciting to be part of such an experience, but more important is that it really mean for Jim, “says he.

Finding a donor with the same skin tone was not easy. It took 18 months to the hospital to find the “scalp” adequate, with the help of LifeGift (an association specializing in the linkage between the donor and the patient).