The first skull and scalp transplant has been performed in a 15-hour operation, say doctors in the US.

The first skull and scalp transplant has been performed in a 15-hour operation, say doctors in the US. James Boysen, who is 55 and from Texas, was missing the whole of the crown of his head after treatment for a rare type of cancer.

He was also given a new kidney and pancreas during the procedure. Mr Boysen was diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma in 2006, the cancer of the muscle on the scalp was treated with a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but it permanently damaged the surrounding tissue. The scalp and skull were destroyed by the treatment, leaving his brain vulnerable.
The surgeons had the idea to combine the operations four years ago, but had to wait for a donor. Dr Michael Klebuc, from Houston Methodist Hospital, said: "This was a very complex surgery because we had to transplant the tissues utilising microsurgery.
"Imagine connecting blood vessels 1/16 of an inch under a microscope with tiny stitches about half the diameter of a human hair being done with tools that one would use to make a fine Swiss watch."
- (culled from the BBC)