Posted on: 31/01/2015

Doctors at a hospital in Kochi have successfully conducted India's first hand transplant.

The patient, a 30 year old youth, resident of Thodupuzha in Idukki District of Kerala, had lost both of his hands in a train accident a year ago. In a marathon 16-hour-long surgery, he received the hands of a 24-year-old accident victim.

 

The consultant at  the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery department of the hospital, said the credit for the transplant should equally go to the family who had graciously agreed to donate the limbs of the gentleman from  Varapuzha in Ernakulum district  who was brain dead after a motor cycle accident.

 The blood group and lymphocyte of the donor and recipient were matching.  It may take another 10-14 days before confirming the acceptance of the limbs by the recipient, as quoted by the treating specialist.

Unlike re-plantation, where a dismembered limb is surgically restored, in the case of transplant, the limb of a brain-dead person is transplanted on a recipient. Transplant of hand and upper limb has been accepted as one of the best forms of rehabilitation in patients with loss of hands. They are superior in many respects to prosthetic rehabilitation.

The success of limb transplant is high, since it is on an exterior part of the body and if there is any indication of rejection, corrective medication can be done, unlike any interior organ.

Hand transplant is followed by postoperative rehabilitation by physiotherapist and occupational therapist. In about one year of such a transplant, the limb becomes 90 per cent normal, but some small muscles might not become totally functional or total blood circulation might not be normal. But with regular rehabilitation, in the course of time, the transplanted limb becomes normal like a natural limb.

To know more about the latest update on this treatment protocol and treating centers offering the same as well as for getting your reports reviewed, post a query

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