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Brigham Performs 2nd Full-Face Transplant

Doctors at a Boston hospital have performed the nation's second full-face transplant, less than a month after the first.

A team of more than 30 doctors, nurses and other staff at Brigham and Women's Hospital worked for more than 14 hours last week to replace the full facial area of 30-year-old Mitch Hunter, of Speedway, Ind.

That's compared to the 30 hours it took doctors a few weeks ago.

"It was the fastest of all we have done and I think it reflects the fact we have learned and continue to learn the techniques as well as the nuances of the operation," said lead surgeon Dr. Bohdan Pomahac,

The procedure replaced Hunter's nose, eyelids, lips, facial animation muscles and the nerves that power them and provide sensation. Hunter suffered his injuries from a high-voltage electrical wire following a 2001 car accident.

The donor family requested anonymity.

Pomahac said the procedure went smoothly and they expect Hunter to have a successful recovery and new life.

A Texas construction worker received a new face at the hospital last month.

Earlier:

With reporting from The Associated Press and the WBUR Newsroom

This program aired on April 26, 2011. The audio for this program is not available.

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