India doctors perform bilateral hand transplant

Doctors at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi have successfully performed the country’s first bilateral hand transplant.

The life-changing procedure has brought new hope to a 45-year-old painter who tragically lost both forearms and hands in a devastating train accident back in 2020.

The remarkable journey to recovery began when Meena Mehta, a former administrative head of a prominent South Delhi school, tragically succumbed to brain death. However, in a testament to the power of organ donation, her hands became a beacon of hope for the painter.

Ms. Mehta, who had pledged her organs during her lifetime, not only facilitated the bilateral hand transplant but also transformed the lives of three other individuals with the donation of her kidney, liver, and corneas.

The intricate surgery, spanning over 12 hours, showcased the surgical prowess of the medical team as they meticulously connected bones, arteries, muscles, tendons, and nerves between the donor’s hands and the recipient’s arms. The dedication and expertise of the healthcare staff culminated in a triumphant moment, captured in a photo where the painter, thumbs up, signaled his successful reunion with his hands.

This unprecedented success not only marks a triumph for medical science in India but also underscores the significance of organ donation in reshaping lives. The artistic passion that was momentarily extinguished in the wake of tragedy is now reignited, promising a brighter future for the resilient painter and inspiring hope for others in similar circumstances.