Hand Transplants in Mumbai

A hand transplant is a new-age surgical procedure; it gives a second chance to live life to its fullest to those who have lost their hands due to injury, illness, or any other congenital conditions. In this article, we will explore this complex procedure, from its types to the risks and complications connected to hand transplants in Mumbai.

A hand transplant surgery is a complex procedure that can successfully restore the form and function of a hand after being amputated or lost congenitally. Although the idea of hand transplantation may seem unrealistic and future-driven, advancements in medical science and surgical technology have made this a reality. An idea which helped many regain their active lifestyle for those who have lost one or both of their upper limbs due to trauma, burns, illness, etc.

Being a revolutionary but complex procedure, hand replacement surgery in Mumbai needs precise care and the finest technique from a premier healthcare institution like Gleneagles Hospital. This hospital in Mumbai has been a pioneer in using new and advanced procedures in various fields with modern and state-of-the-art technology.  

A hand transplant is a complicated operation where an injured or amputated hand is replaced with the hand of a donor who has died. The operation includes reattaching bones, muscles, tendons, blood vessels, nerves, and skin to effectively restore the hand's function and appearance. It must be noted that hand transplant surgery is not classified as life-saving in the classical sense, as patients can survive without a hand. However, the process significantly improves the quality of life of the patient, allowing them to regain function and accomplish simple things that they might have otherwise had trouble with, like writing, eating, and holding objects.

Hand replacement surgery can be divided into two types based on the number of upper limbs being cured. These two surgeries include: 

• Single Hand Transplant: This type of surgery entails the transplantation of a single hand, generally in the situation where a patient loses a hand because of injury, disease, or a congenital defect.
• Bilateral Hand Transplant: Bilateral hand transplant is more complex, with both hands being replaced. As surgeons need to transplant both hands in one surgery, it can last for up to 24 hours. Bilateral transplants are rare and usually done on patients who have lost both hands, like in the case of severe burns, accidents, or some diseases. 

Complex surgical procedures like hand transplants require an extensive evaluation to analyse the suitability of the patient for the procedure and whether he is fit for the surgery or not. This includes: 

• Physical Exam: Physical exams are used to evaluate general health and the degree of loss.
• Psychological Exams: A psychological assessment will be conducted to ascertain the preparedness of the patient to tackle the after-effects of hand transplantation surgery and the entire lifetime of immunosuppressive drugs.
• Blood tests and imaging: These are the necessary tests before any surgery and transplantation. Blood tests and imaging scans are done to evaluate the patient’s compatibility with available donor hands.
• Donor-Recipient Matching: Patients are put on a waiting list for an appropriate donor, where blood type, skin colour, and age are matched for the transplant to be successful. A donor's hand must also match the recipient's upper limb in size and shape.

On the day of surgery, the patient will be given to ensure they are in a completely unconscious and pain-free state. The surgical team of highly qualified specialists will conduct the transplant in phases to guarantee the operation's success. These steps include: 

• Bone Attachment: The surgeon first attaches the bones of the donor's hand to the recipient's arm. The bones are then fixed and aligned carefully using surgical screws and plates.
  Tendon and Muscle Connections: In the Next step, the tendons and muscles of the donor's hand are reconnected to the recipient’s arm. Tendons are the muscles that ensure the smooth movement of the hand; hence, they are vital for restoring movement.
• Blood Vessel Reconnections: Once the bones and muscles are secured, the donor hand's blood vessels, arteries and veins are reattached to the recipient's arm. This process is crucial to ensure that the transplanted hand has a proper blood supply, which will be required for healing and survival.
• Nerve Attachment: The nerves of the donor's hand are then attached meticulously to the nerves of the recipient. This process helps restore both movement and sensation in the hand.
• Skin Grafting: This final step of hand transplant surgery in Mumbai involves covering the transplanted hand with the skin. Surgeons carefully stitch the skin from the donor's hand onto the transplant site, ensuring a good fit. In some cases, additional skin grafts may be taken from the recipient's body to help cover the hand fully.

After the hand transplant surgery, patients are typically moved to the intensive care unit (ICU), where they are carefully monitored to address any complications. Generally, patients will be monitored in the ICU for six to eight weeks. During this period, doctors will conduct imaging tests and provide immunosuppressants to the patients to avoid rejection or infection. The first phase of recovery includes the healing of bones and soft tissues. The patient is advised to avoid any heavy activities and follow any instructions given by your hand therapist.

The transplanted hand will continue to develop and adapt to the body and vice versa for up to five years, along with regular hand therapy to improve strength, coordination, and functionality. It must be noted that the transplanted hand will never function exactly the same as your natural hand, although regular follow-up appointments can significantly enhance the quality of life of the patient.

While hand transplantation surgery is considered safe with significant benefits, risks and complications are associated with the surgery, like any other complex surgical procedure, which includes: 

• Rejection: Rejection of transplanted organs is the primary complication arising from the organ transplant. The reason behind the rejection is that the immune system works in a way that identifies and attacks foreign elements. To avoid this, patients are required to take lifelong immunosuppressants.
• Infection: Immunosuppressant drugs increase the chance of acquiring infection, especially at the site of surgery or within the tissues of the new hand.
• Bleeding: This is a complication that can arise when the blood vessels may not be properly connected with the new hand, which causes a hindrance in the blood supply, which results in bleeding.
• Blood Clots: Improper flow of blood in the blood vessels causes the formation of blood clots in the hand, which can travel to the heart, brain, or lungs, creating serious complications.
• Nerve Damage: Incomplete nerve attachment can lead to nerves not working right away, which can result in numbness or weakness. Nerve function will improve with time, but it can take months or years to recover fully.

The success rate of Hand Transplant Surgery in Mumbai depends upon various factors, including the overall health of the recipient and the quality of the donor’s hand, as well as the expertise of the doctors. With increments in medical tools and technology over time, the success rate of surgery has significantly improved in Mumbai. 

Choosing a good healthcare institution for Hand Transplant Surgery in Mumbai can be overwhelming. Among numerous hospitals and clinics offering the surgery, Gleneagles Hospital stands out as the top choice for many with amputated limbs because: 

• Gleneagles provides expert care and treatment for every individual based on their specific needs.
• Modern and state-of-the-art infrastructure equipped with the latest technology of the time.
• Skilled doctors and surgeons with international exposure and years of experience in the field.
• The high success rate of transplantation.
• Revolutionary rehabilitation programs for post-surgery recovery and successful hand transplant.