Face transplants nearing reality

[dArKeR]

FACE/OFF: Experiments conducted on rats are paving the way for more complicated reconstructive surgery on humans, but are also raising a series of ethical questions
By Joy Su
STAFF REPORTER
Wednesday, Nov 19, 2003,Page 2

This undated photo shows two mice who underwent facial transplant surgery at the Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taipei.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHANG GUNG MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
Breakthrough facial and scalp transplants in rats will serve as a model for future plastic and reconstructive surgery on humans, doctors at the Chang Gung Memorial Hospital announced yesterday afternoon.

"Recent experiments have proven that facial transplants such as those seen in popular movies are now possible in rats," said Wei Fu-chan (魏福全), director of the hospital.

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2003/11/19/2003076393

[Bozola]

1. So does that mean that

freepers are no longer stuck with just acting as a horse's ass, they can, through this processes, look it as well?

[LibLabUK]

2. Royal College of Surgeons oppose face transplants.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/3283381.stm

The Royal College of Surgeons has urged doctors not to carry out facial transplants.

In a report, it said that while the skills and knowledge exist it would be unwise to proceed without further research into the risks. But they said they were "not adverse" to the surgery and recognised it as a possible future treatment.

The report comes a week after surgeons revealed they were now able to carry out the operation due to advances in the use of anti-rejection drugs.

Doctors in the US and France are awaiting regulatory approval to carry out the operation. British surgeons say they will not carry out the procedure until the public has debated the ethical issues around it.

[calimary]

3. Probably how Young George plans to get through London.

[w4rma]

4. Another technological advance that didn't happen in America

:(