First Hand Transplant in California is a Success

The first hand transplant surgery carried out in the Western US at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center has been successful. This surgery was carried out on 26-year old Emily Fennel who had lost her right hand in an automobile accident about 5-years ago. Initially Emily had a prosthetic hand, but opted for a hand transplant to take better care of her daughter.

The operation was complex and went on for 14 1/2 hours. Operating team consisted of 20 surgeons who had to attach 23 tendons, 2 bones, 2 arteries and at least 3 nerves. The surgeons grafted the donor hand from a deceased donor which was identical. The blood group, color and size match was perfect.

Soon after the surgery Emily was able to move her fingers. Rehabilitation will continue for several months. She will also have to take medicines all her life to prevent the rejection of the new hand. The transplant cost the hospital about $80,000.


Source: Medindia