A painter who suffered the loss of both hands in an accident has undergone a groundbreaking hand transplant surgery facilitated by the generous donation of organs from Meena Mehta, a woman who had pledged her organs for posthumous use.
The complex surgery, conducted by the medical team at Delhi’s Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, involved reattaching various components, such as bones, arteries, veins, tendons, muscles, nerves, and skin, during a meticulous 12-hour procedure.
Raj Kumar, the 45-year-old recipient, faced this transformative opportunity after a tragic incident in October 2020, where he lost both hands in a train accident. Despite using prosthetics, his prosthetic trial was unsuccessful, and a hand transplant became his only hope for a better quality of life. Meena Mehta, declared brain-dead, fulfilled her commitment as a multi-organ donor, providing the suitable hands for Raj Kumar’s transplant.
Dr. Mahesh Mangal, Chairman of the Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, and Dr. Swaroop Singh Gambhir, Senior Consultant of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, led the surgical team in executing the intricate procedure. Dr. Gambhir emphasized the importance of precision and expertise in ensuring the seamless integration of the transplanted hands into Raj Kumar’s body.
Following the surgery, Raj Kumar made a remarkable recovery within six weeks. Dr. Gambhir reported that Kumar is currently in good health and is expected to be discharged later on Wednesday. Meena Mehta’s altruistic donation extended beyond the hand transplant, as her kidneys, liver, and corneas contributed to the well-being of other patients, showcasing the transformative impact of organ donation.
Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, in February 2023, achieved the distinction of being the first hospital in North India authorized to perform hand transplant surgeries.