Clap and cheer: KGMU may start hand transplant soon

Lucknow: There is hope for those who lose hand in accident or injury with King George's Medical University initiating cadaveric hand transplant surgeries. Once it secures final approval, KGMU will become first govt institution in Uttar Pradesh to perform complex hand transplant surgeries using limbs donated by brain-dead individuals.Unlike prosthetic hands that provide only limited functionality, transplanted hands can gradually regain circulation, muscle function, and movement, giving patients chance to live more independently. The surgery involves precise reconnection of bones, blood vessels, nerves and muscles and are considered among most advanced and demanding procedures in plastic and reconstructive surgery.Nodal officer at state organ and tissue transplant organisation (UP SOTTO), Dr Harshvardhan, confirmed the final approval process was underway. Around a month ago, head of KGMU's plastic surgery department, Prof Vijay Kumar, submitted formal request to UP SOTTO to begin hand transplant services. A team of inspectors has since been appointed to evaluate the university's readiness.Once approval is granted, KGMU plans to build patient registry. Candidates for hand transplants will be selected based on medical urgency, compatibility and other health parameters. Speaking about the source of donor hands, Prof Vijay Kumar explained, "Brain-dead patients permanently lose all brain activity due to injuries, stroke, or other critical conditions. Although their brains stop functioning, their other organs—including hands—can remain viable for a short period with life support. Since brain death is legally considered death, organs and limbs of such patients can be donated."He emphasised that cadaveric donations are essential to bridge gap between need and availability of organs, especially for advanced procedures like hand transplants. Prof Kumar also stated that KGMU already has necessary infrastructure and skilled multidisciplinary team including plastic surgeons, vascular experts, anaesthesiologists and rehabilitation professionals.All potential transplant candidates will undergo a detailed evaluation, including psychological assessments, tissue matching, physical health checks and counselling sessions for them and their families. In private hospitals, especially in southern India, hand transplant surgeries typically cost between Rs 20 lakh for one hand and Rs 30 lakh for both. KGMU, however, aims to provide these surgeries at significantly lower costs, increasing accessibility for patients from economically weaker backgrounds.The university also plans to reach out to amputees using prosthetics to inform them about real-hand transplant options. "We are also working to increase awareness about organ donation," added Prof Kumar.

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