Türk Nöroşirürji Dergisi 2013 , Vol 23 , Num 3
Head Transplantation
Yusuf İZCİ
Gülhane Askeri Tıp Akademisi, Beyin ve Sinir Cerrahisi Anabilim Dalı, Ankara, Türkiye Although the history of organ transplantations starts in the 16th century, successful large organ transplantations have started in the late 1960s. The experimental basis of these transplantations was established in the 1950s. Heart, kidney, cornea, liver, lungs, face, limb and bowel transplantations were successfully performed in humans, while head transplantations could not proceed further than animal studies. Important improvements have been achieved, possible difficulties overcome and solutions sought with these experiments. In addition, it was argued that head transplantation in humans might cause ethical problems. In this review, we present a brief history of organ transplantations, and then provide information about the technique and outcome of head transplantations. We also discuss whether head transplantation will be possible in the future. Anahtar Kelimeler : Head, Transplantation, Neurosurgery