Glossary

• Vascularized composite allotransplant

  Vascularized composite allotransplantation describes transfer of a composite graft containing multiple tissues, such as skin, muscle, bone, fat, nerves, and lymph nodes, mainly for the life-enhancing purpose to improve function. It differs from solid organ transplantation in that composite tissue grafts have more diverse and extremely antigenic properties that necessitate stronger immunosuppressive treatments. Clinical applications include hand and forearm, face, uterus, penis, abdominal wall transplantation, and more.

• Immunosuppression

  Suppression of the body’s immune system and its ability to fight infections and other diseases. Immunosuppression may be deliberately induced with drugs, as in preparation for bone marrow or other organ transplantation, to prevent rejection of the donor tissue.

• Comorbidity

  Comorbidity refers to the simultaneous presence of two or more diseases or medical conditions in a patient.