Treatment of Rejection in Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation

Vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) has become an important modality to restore disfigured parts of the body that cannot be restored with conventional reconstructive techniques. Reported short- and long-term functional and esthetic outcomes have been excellent. However, acute rejection remains the most common complication associated with VCA. In addition, recent reports have linked the loss of some allografts to chronic rejections potentially fueled by insufficiently treated acute rejections. Here, we highlight recent diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for the prevention and treatment of acute and chronic rejections in VCA.