immune disorders
Transplantation of Other Tissues
More than one tissue
Some transplants contain more than one tissue (called composite transplants, such as hand, arm, or face transplants). Composite transplants may include skin, muscle, bone, and tissues that connect and support these structures. Composite transplantation is controversial because it typically is not needed to preserve life and does not extend it, although it may greatly improve quality of life. Composite transplantation is also very expensive, requires many resources, and may result in sometimes life-threatening infections. These procedures are not considered standard medical care. How well the transplanted parts function varies widely, but some recipients of a hand transplant are able to use the hand to do their usual daily activities. Suppression of the Immune System are required after transplantation. 