The recipient, Carme, suffered severe sepsis during a vacation in the Canary Islands last July, caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes, which resulted in facial necrosis preventing basic functions like swallowing and speaking.
“"It is a medical milestone of international scope."
The Head of Plastic Surgery and Burns at Vall d'Hebron, Dr. Joan Pere Barret, led the complex 24-hour intervention, which involved about a hundred specialists. This is the third face transplant performed by the center since 2010.
“"This woman, despite the limitations caused by her illness, expressed happiness in helping another person and donating all her organs. It was the ultimate expression of love and generosity."
The donor, who had requested euthanasia in late 2024, donated multiple organs, saving the lives of four people. Dr. Elisabeth Navas noted that the donation, anonymous by Spanish law, improved the quality of life of many more.
