A Decade of Innovation: A 10-year Institutional Review of Advancements in Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation.

BACKGROUND

Vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) has achieved significant advancements in reconstructive surgery through pioneering efforts in face, upper extremity, and whole-eye transplantations. The VCA program at New York University Langone Health has pursued these efforts since its inception in 2013.

METHODS

This review documents the evolution of the VCA program, highlighting 4 critical cases that demonstrate the program's innovative approach to surgical challenges and patient care. Each case study reveals the integration of computerized surgical planning, meticulous preoperative preparations, postoperative outcomes, and key institutional metrics.

RESULTS

Notable achievements include the first successful combined face and bilateral hand transplantation, and the first combined face and whole-eye transplantation, with improved procedural efficiencies such as reduced hospital and intensive care unit length of stay and operative durations over time. Furthermore, the program's focus on multidisciplinary collaboration has enhanced patient outcomes and operational procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

These efforts not only mark significant milestones in VCA but also contribute to the broader surgical and microsurgical fields by refining techniques that minimize resource use and optimize patient recovery and quality of life.