World's first full head transplant possible in two years, controversial surgeon states

Controversial Italian surgeon claims the technique could save the lives of people riddled with cancer or whose nerves and muscles have wasted away.

18:07 26 February 2015

Controversial Italians surgeon Sergio Canavero has bolded stated that the world's first full head transplant may happen in two years.

The procedure, also known as a full body transplant, will see the patient's head being sewn onto a donor's body. He said that the technique could save the lives of people suffering from terminal diseases like cancer.

The operation was carried out on a monkey with a limited degree of success in 1970. The animal lived only for nine days until the head was rejected by the body’s immune system.

However Mr Canavero said: “I think we are now at a point when the technical aspects are all feasible.

“If society doesn't want it, I won't do it. But if people don't want it in the US or Europe, that doesn't mean it won't be done somewhere else. I'm trying to go about this the right way, but before going to the moon, you want to make sure people will follow you.”

However, many experts were skeptical including Harry Goldsmith, a professor of neurological surgery at the University of California.

He said: "This is such an overwhelming project, the possibility of it happening is very unlikely. I don't believe it will ever work, there are too many problems with the procedure.”