title: Retrospective study regarding objectives and results of upper limb transplant.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Upper limb amputation causes a severe permanent disability. Upper limb transplantation is subject to treatment to prevent rejection and influenced by organizational, socioeconomic, psychological, ethical factors. Analysis of the results creates the potential for continuing this work in specific conditions in our country.
  
  
  METHODS
  We retrospectively analyzed data from the literature. Upon completion of documentation (May 2011) there were 74 transplants in 53 patients worldwide. We have studied the available information on the surgical interventions and their results.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Upper limb allograft has a complex structure comprising tissue with variable antigenicity. Surgery is performed by a large multidisciplinary team, whose increased experience leads to a shorter length of the operation. The postoperative follow-up and rehabilitation program are standardized, and patients' compliance is essential. The greatest advances have occurred in immunosuppression protocols.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The upper limb transplantation was performed in 20 centers of 12 countries so far. The specification of the indications and contraindications, the proper selection of patients, the increasing experience and new immunosuppression protocols provide a higher success rate and quality of functional outcome. By applying these conceptual acquisitions we will be able to create conditions for the integration of our country in this globally convergent scientific effort.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Surgery and Reconstructive Microsurgery, County Emergency Hospital, Deva, Romania. paulaluculescu@gmail.com
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Luculescu
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bodog
authors.forename: Z
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Crăiniceanu
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Popa
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Bratu
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Lascărs
mesh_terms: D063987:Hand Transplantation; D006801:Humans; D007165:Immunosuppression Therapy / Q000379:methods; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D018579:Patient Selection; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013997:Time Factors; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000601:surgery; D014945:Wound Healing