Swiss Scientists Perform Nose Reconstruction Surgery Using Lab-Grown Cartilage

Researchers at University of Basel in Switzerland claimed to have performed the first-ever successful nose reconstruction surgery by making use of cartilage grown in the laboratory. The researchers revealed that they collected cartilage cells extracted from the patient's nasal septum and grew them in the laboratory into a collagen membrane which was then shaped according the defect and implanted into the patients.

Around five patients, all aged between 76 and 88 years, were part of the surgery and the researchers revealed that all of them are satisfied and there were no side effects one year after the surgery.

“The engineered cartilage has clinical results comparable to the current standard surgery. This new technique could help the body to accept the new tissue better and to improve the stability and functionality of the nostril. The method opens the way to using engineered cartilage for more challenging reconstructions in facial surgery such as the complete nose, eyelid or ear”, lead researcher Ivan Martin said.



Source-Medindia