World leading transplant innovations to be explored at UK meeting of European Plastic Surgeons
Media Release- 7 July 2014
The success of the first UK hand and abdominal wall transplants will be amongst the highlight discussion points raised at the 12th congress of the European Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (ESPRAS) in Edinburgh this week.
Hosted by the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS), the six day event sees leading plastic surgeons from across Europe and the rest of the world congregate to share the latest successful pioneering innovations in plastic surgery that are having a direct transformative effect on people’s lives.
The keynote address will be delivered by BAPRAS member and consultant plastic surgeon Professor Simon Kay, reflecting on success and opportunities presented by the UK’s first successful hand transplant procedure. Professor Kay will look at the existing funding framework for hand transplants in the UK and consider how to ensure that the appropriate framework is in place to allow for future procedures to take place. Scottish patient Corinne Hutton is set to be the first woman in the UK to undergo a double hand-transplant later this year, performed by Professor Kay.
Oxford-based BAPRAS member and consultant plastic surgeon Henk Giele will explore the success of the UK’s first series of abdominal wall and forearm-flap indicator transplant procedures, delivering life-changing care for patients.
The French plastic surgeon and world pioneering face transplant specialist Professor Laurent Lantieri will also be addressing the conference on the future of facial transplant procedures. Professor Lantieri performed the world’s first full face transplant in France in 2008 and has completed two further successful procedures since.
BAPRAS President and consultant plastic surgeon Graeme Perks said:
“BAPRAS is delighted to host the 12th ESPRAS conference in Edinburgh and to welcome our European plastic surgery colleagues committed to driving improvements in the specialty and delivering better outcomes for patients. From the UK’s first successful hand transplants to exploring future possibilities in facial transplantation, we are truly lucky to have such a diverse list of pioneering plastic surgeons attending and sharing their expertise.
“Plastic surgery is one of the most important and rapidly evolving specialties in modern healthcare. Opportunities to celebrate existing achievements and consider how we can do more to push the boundaries of the profession are critical, and we’re excited that this year’s ESPRAS conference gives us this opportunity.”
BAPRAS member and consultant plastic surgeon Joe O’Donoghue, who is scientific programme chair on the ESPRAS committee, said:
“BAPRAS members are at the forefront of world-leading innovation and research in plastic surgery, so it is fitting that the 12th ESPRAS conference is taking place in the UK. Dedicated time to share best practice advice with our global colleagues is invaluable and we’re delighted to offer this opportunity in Edinburgh this year, giving an insight into the most exciting advances in plastic surgery today.”
Consultant plastic surgeon and BAPRAS Deputy President Nigel Mercer, who will take on the full presidency role from January 2015, will be delivering a talk on cosmetic surgery training. Other talks will include discussions around the introduction of a breast implant registry, led by Graeme Perks, and surgeon specific outcomes data, led by consultant plastic surgeon Anita Hazari.
[Ends]
About BAPRAS
BAPRAS, the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, is the voice of plastic surgery in the UK. It aims to increase the understanding of the professional specialty and scope of plastic surgery, promoting innovation in teaching, learning and research.
Founded in 1946 (originally as the British Association of Plastic Surgeons), today BAPRAS has over 800 members and is the professional representative body for reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgeons providing services to patients on the NHS and privately in the UK. Members of the public can find a member plastic surgeon in their area by logging on to www.bapras.org.uk. Anyone can check the GMC to find out if a surgeon is on the plastic surgery specialist register; http://www.gmc-uk.org/register/search/index.asp