Arch Craniofac Surg.  2016 Jun;17(2):68-76. 10.7181/acfs.2016.17.2.68.

Risk Acceptance and Expectations of Scalp Allotransplantation

• Choi JH
• Kim KS
• Shin JH
• Hwang JH
• Lee SY

• KMID: 2308839
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7181/acfs.2016.17.2.68

Abstract

BACKGROUND
In scalp allotransplantation, the scalp from a brain-dead donor, including hair, is transferred to a recipient with scalp defects. Opinions differ on the appropriateness of scalp allotransplantation. In order to maintain graft function and cosmetic outcomes, scalp transplantation recipients would need to receive lifelong immunosuppression treatments. The risks of this immunosuppression have to be balanced against the fact that receiving a scalp allotransplant does not extend lifespan or restore a physical function. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate risk acceptance and expectations regarding scalp allotransplantation in different populations.
METHODS
A questionnaire survey study was conducted. A total of 300 subjects participated; survey was conducted amongst the general public (n=100), kidney transplantation recipients (n=50), a group of patient who required scalp reconstruction due to tumor or trauma (n=50), and physicians (n=100). The survey was modified by using the Korean version of the Louisville instrument for transplantation questionnaire.
RESULTS
Risk acceptance and expectations for scalp transplantation varied widely across the groups. Kidney transplantation recipients revealed the highest risk acceptance and expectations, whereas the physicians were most resistant to the risks of scalp transplantation.
CONCLUSION
Our study demonstrates that, in specific groups, scalp allotransplantation and the need for immunosuppression carries an acceptable risk despite the lack of lifeextending benefits. Our results suggest that scalp allotransplantation can be an acceptable alternative to existing scalp reconstruction surgeries in patients with pre-existing need for immunosuppression.

Keyword

Scalp; Vascularized composite allotransplantation; Surveys and questionnaires; Reconstructive surgical procedures; Patient acceptance of health care

MeSH Terms

Hair
Humans
Immunosuppression
Kidney Transplantation
Patient Acceptance of Health Care
Reconstructive Surgical Procedures
Scalp*
Surveys and Questionnaires
Tissue Donors
Transplants
Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation