Objective To review the research progress of composite tissue allotransplantation (CTA), analyzethe superiority and the inferiority, and inform the possible direction of further research. Methods Literature concerningCTA was reviewed and analyzed in terms of the l imits of conventional reparative and reconstructive surgery, the definitionof CTA, potential advantages, and treatment risks. Results The cl inical research of CTA both at home and abroad proved that the therapeutic effect of CTA was better than that of conventional reparative and reconstructive surgery. However, therisks resulting from immunosuppressive therapy were still the primary factors restraining the wide cl inical appl ication ofCTA. Conclusion The development of immunosuppressive therapy explores a great development potential for the CTA, and how to decrease the treatment risk of immunosuppressive therapy will be the main research direction in the field of CTA.