Woman receives new face after severe facial infection

A Spanish hospital said it performed a facial transplant last fall for a woman who developed necrosis and sepsis after an infected insect bite; the donor had chosen medical aid in dying and offered her face. The hospital described the operation as complex and involving roughly 100 professionals.

A Spanish hospital reported that it gave a woman a donor face after she suffered a severe facial infection and related complications. The case drew attention because the donor had chosen medical aid in dying and offered her organs and face before dying. Hospital officials said the operation used complex microsurgery and a large clinical team. The patient, identified as "Carme," said she feels she is beginning to look more like herself. Key details: - Officials said the woman developed necrosis (tissue loss) and sepsis following an infected insect bite. - Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus carried out the facial transplant last fall and identified the lead surgeon as Dr. Joan-Pere Barret Nerin. - The donor chose medical aid in dying and offered her organs and face; the hospital described this as a world's first for a face donation under those circumstances. - The hospital said the procedure involved about 100 professionals, used complex microsurgery to reconnect nerves, and the patient remained hospitalized for about one month. Summary: The operation restored facial tissue and was presented by the hospital as both medically complex and notable because of the donor's decision to donate after choosing medical aid in dying. Undetermined at this time.