PARIS (Reuters) - A French doctor has described some of the media coverage of the world's first partial face transplant as "odious" and said it could have a bad effect on the 38-year-old patient.
Jean-Michel Dubernard, one of the surgeons who carried out the operation in northern France on November 27, said in remarks published by Le Monde newspaper on Monday that the woman was recovering well after receiving a new nose, lips and chin.
But he criticized newspapers for seeking pictures and details of the patient, who had been mauled by her dog, and for divulging confidential information.
"Some media have had a really odious attitude," he told Le Monde. "I deeply regret these leaks and this 'mediatization', which is happening far too quickly. And I am worried about the possible consequences this might have on our patient."
Dubernard did not say what the consequences might be.
He said some newspapers had published stories about the patient and the brain-dead donor which were factually wrong and that some had published their identities. In the donor's case, he said, this violated French law.
Some newspapers have suggested the patient took an overdose of sleeping pills and that the donor tried to commit suicide.
Doctors have denied this, saying the patient was attacked by her dog when she stepped on it late at night. They said she had been drowsy after taking medicine to calm her down following an argument with her daughter.
Dubernard said the woman, who received transplanted tissue, muscles, arteries and veins, would be able to leave hospital in four to six weeks.
"The transplant is normal. She even finds her face better than before -- sweeping away ethical controversies," he said.
