New Delhi: Following a generous organ donation by a compassionate woman, a painter who tragically lost both hands in an accident underwent a remarkable hand transplant surgical procedure at Delhi’s Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, where he received a new set of limbs, marking a groundbreaking moment in medical history.
In October 2020, Raj Kumar, now 45 years old, suffered a devastating accident while crossing railway tracks in Nangloi on his bicycle, resulting in the loss of both his hands. Despite attempts with prosthetics, his mobility remained severely limited, prompting the exploration of a more advanced solution: hand transplantation.
Fortunately, a pledge made by Meena Mehta, a former administrative head of a South Delhi school, proved instrumental in Kumar’s journey towards recovery. Following her tragic passing and declaration of brain death, Mehta’s selfless decision to donate her organs, including her hands, became Kumar’s beacon of hope.
Under the skilled guidance of Dr. Mahesh Mangal, Chairman of the Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, and Dr. Swaroop Singh Gambhir, Senior Consultant in Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Kumar underwent a complex bilateral hand transplant procedure.
With meticulous attention to detail and adherence to transplant protocols, a dedicated team of 11 medical professionals delicately reattached various components, including bones, arteries, veins, tendons, muscles, nerves, and skin, during the intricate 12-hour surgery.
Talking to the media, Dr Gambhir emphasized the importance of precision and expertise in ensuring the successful integration of the transplanted hands into Kumar’s body. Remarkably, Kumar showed remarkable progress, recovering within six weeks post-surgery, and is currently in good health, with plans for discharge imminent.
Mehta’s altruistic act didn’t end with Kumar’s transformation. Her other organs, including a kidney sent to Fortis Gurgaon, offered a lifeline to another patient in need. Additionally, her hands, liver, and corneas facilitated further life-changing procedures at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, underscoring the transformative impact of organ donation.
In February 2023, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital made history as the first hospital in North India to receive authorization for hand transplant surgeries, paving the way for future medical advancements and offering hope to countless individuals in similar circumstances.
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