Global Public Perceptions of Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation

INTRODUCTION: Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation (VCA) is a reconstructive technique that restores form and function in patients with severe tissue loss from trauma, burns, tumors, or congenital anomalies. Despite improving clinical outcomes, public understanding and acceptance remain barriers to widespread public acceptance. This systematic review examines global public perceptions of VCA, focusing on demographic, cultural, religious, and educational influences on donation. METHODS: A PRISMA-guided systematic review was conducted in June 2025 across PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science. Eligible studies included original surveys or mixed-methods research involving nonexpert participants who reported willingness to donate to VCA. Excluded were studies limited to experts, discussion articles, reviews, abstracts, or commentaries. RESULTS: Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria, representing 19,023 respondents from 8 countries. Overall, there was a lower pooled willingness to donate facial VCA than hand VCA, with pooled willingness estimates of 47.9% and 54.8%, respectively. In contrast, willingness to receive VCA was higher overall, with pooled willingness estimates of 65.6% for facial transplantation and 72.4% for hand transplantation. Religious differences were evident: Christian and agnostic respondents were generally more willing to donate, whereas Muslim respondents were less willing. Racial differences were also noted, with White respondents more likely to donate. In contrast, Black and Asian respondents were less likely to indicate willingness to donate. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review provides the first comprehensive synthesis of global survey data on public perceptions of VCA. Nearly half of the respondents reported willingness to donate, with higher acceptance of hand donation than of face donation. Racial, ethnic, and religious factors shape attitudes, underscoring the need for culturally tailored educational strategies to improve donation acceptance.