Man Receives Foot Finger as Replacement for Lost Thumb
Chennai, India – In a groundbreaking surgery, a man who lost his right thumb in an industrial accident has been implanted with a finger taken from his foot. The 32-year-old man, whose severed fingers could not be reattached, underwent the innovative procedure at Sri Ramachandra Hospital in Porur, Chennai.
The surgery, which lasted for about eight hours, was performed by the hand surgery team led by Dr. Srinivasan Rajappa. Describing the procedure as challenging as a heart bypass surgery, Dr. Rajappa stated that the most critical part of the operation was the grafting of blood vessels.
“The circumference of blood vessels in fingers is 1.5 mm, which is equivalent to the thickness of two hairs combined. We had to stitch such small blood vessels with 20 times magnification through a microscope. It was a delicate and precise task,” said Dr. Rajappa.
The thumb grafting surgery also involved attaching bones using stainless steel wire. Despite the complexity of the procedure, doctors assured that removing the second toe didn’t cause any damage to the foot, and there was no noticeable difference in appearance.
Dr. Srinivasan Rajapan emphasized that patients often hesitate to undergo such surgeries due to fear and lack of awareness. He explained that fingers and hands from deceased individuals can be transplanted and attached to patients, but this carries the risk of infections and the need for lifelong medication.
In this case, the patient agreed to have his toe removed after witnessing a successful operation performed on a friend. The doctors informed him that the removal of the finger would not affect his leg.
The surgical team at Sri Ramachandra Hospital is known for its expertise in hand surgeries, and they have successfully treated numerous cases involving finger amputations. Rehabilitation for the patient typically involves exercises to restore finger movements, and full recovery is expected within several months.
The successful outcome of this unique procedure highlights the potential of toe transplantation as a viable option in cases where reattachment of severed fingers is not possible. It also underscores the importance of raising awareness about the possibilities of hand surgery and dispelling misconceptions surrounding these procedures.
To ensure the safe transportation of amputated organs to the hospital, Dr. Srinivasan Rajapan advised placing them in a plastic bag and sealing it before placing it inside an icebox or container with ice cubes. He cautioned against direct contact between the amputated area and ice, as extreme cold can damage tissue.
Tamil Nadu, where the surgery took place, hosts a specialized hand surgery center at Government Stanley Hospital. The center provides comprehensive care for individuals with hand-related injuries and deformities.
The success of this innovative surgery offers hope to individuals who have suffered finger amputations, providing them with the possibility of regaining functionality and independence through toe grafting.