Verified By Apollo Doctors October 2, 2023
Hand transplant is a surgical procedure for persons with amputated hands. Hand transplant is a complex procedure performed only at a few medical centres worldwide. Your doctor will transplant hands and a portion of the forearms, as the case may be, collected from a dead person.
A hand transplant will help you regain the sensation and function of your hand. However, it is not guaranteed. Hand transplant can improve the quality of your life. But you should be committed to lifelong treatment. Your doctor will suggest frequent medical checkups, particular medications, and physical therapies help you heal properly.
Not every disabled individual will be suitable for transplants. Your doctor may recommend transplantation if he/she feels you are qualified for the transplant procedure. The following factors are considered before determining your eligibility for hand transplantation:
A hand transplant surgery is a complex procedure with significant risks involved. So, you need to think about the process before going ahead with the surgery. Ask your doctor for all details about the surgery. Inquire if there is any care you can take to avoid complications. Before surgery, your doctor will order a couple of tests to analyze your eligibility for the surgery:
Hand transplant surgery typically takes 18 to 24 hours as it is a complicated surgery. A team of specialized doctors will perform the surgery.
Once a donor hand is ready to be attached to the arm, your surgeon will first attach your bones with the bones of the donor hand using small metal plates. Then, the surgeons will use special stitches (sutures) to attach your blood vessels, tendons and nerves. Transplant surgeons use a special operating room microscope to place the stitches. As soon as all the parts of the donor hand and recipient’s arm have been attached, the skin is closed.
You will need extreme care after the surgery as a hand transplant is a complex and major surgery.
Hand transplant is a complex surgical procedure .However, there is no guarantee of regaining your hand’s functionality or the extent of hand functionality you will regain. Observations made from past experiences suggest that the following functions have been possible after the transplant :
A professional team will take care of you after the surgery to help you heal and recuperate quickly. The specialized team will give the most comprehensive care to ensure you do not feel pain or discomfort through the healing process. There are many success stories of hand transplant surgery, and the chances of failure are very low. Your doctors will follow up on your health condition to evaluate your health from time to time.
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After your doctor declares you are eligible for transplantation, you have to wait till your doctor finds a donor for your amputated hand.
You don’t have to stop any medications, but notify your doctor about them before surgery.
If you are satisfied with the result of your prosthesis, you don’t have to go for a hand transplant.
Yes, your doctor will put you under observation after the surgery. Depending on your recovery rate, you may have to stay in the hospital for 15-20 days.
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