Chinese doctors have successfully grown an artificial ear on the arm. On Wednesday, November 9, the Daily Mail reports with reference to the publication Huanqiu.com.
The operation, which has not yet reached its final stage, is being led by Dr. Guo Shuzhong of the Zhao Tong University Hospital in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province.
The patient - Mr. Ji - had an accident some time ago in which he lost his right ear. In addition, the man had part of his face disfigured, and he underwent several plastic surgeries to restore his skin. Nevertheless, it was not possible to restore the ear with the help of traditional medicine, and Ji turned to Shuzhong.
The doctor decided to carry out the operation in three stages. On the first, a skin expander was placed under Ji's right forearm. In the second, the doctors removed the cartilage from the patient's rib, modeled the shape of the future ear from it and transplanted it onto the arm.
The third stage, which has not yet been carried out, will be the transplantation of the artificially grown ear onto the head by applying a vascular anastomosis. According to Shuzhong's plan, this part of the operation will be completed in about three to four months.