Laryngeal transplant: The future?

Abstract

There is very less literature about laryngeal transplant, particularly in India. In the past, laryngeal transplant along with other “nonvital” organ transplant had been considered unethical as the risks associated with chronic immunosuppression outweighed the gains of the transplanted organ. However, with the advent of newer immunomodulatory drugs and drug delivery systems, the risks of immunosuppression are considerably low. This has prompted the growth and expansion of nonvital organ transplant which was evident by the first hand transplant performed in India. In the following discussion, the success of the two laryngeal transplants performed till date and the need for optimism in this field is outlaid. This article is directed toward all the ear-nose-throat and head-neck surgeons who treat laryngeal cancer on a regular basis.