India

healthysoch

New Delhi, April 27, 2026:

The Department of Plastic, Cosmetic and Hand Microsurgery at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital successfully performed its 2nd bilateral hand transplant on 21st April 2026, marking another significant milestone in the field of hand and reconstructive surgery.

This complex and highly coordinated procedure stands as a testament to the expertise, dedication, and seamless teamwork of multiple departments working in unison.

The Plastic Surgery team, led by Dr. Mahesh Mangal, along with Dr. Anubhav Gupta, Dr. Bheem Nanda, Dr. Nikhil Jhunjhunwala, and all the department residents, played a pivotal role in the surgical execution and perioperative care.

The bilateral hand transplantation performed at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital represents one of the most technically demanding procedures in modern reconstructive microsurgery, involving meticulous sequential anastomosis of bones, tendons, arteries, veins, and multiple nerve groups under high magnification, often over 10-12 hours of operative time.

The surgery requires precise skeletal fixation followed by repair of flexor and extensor tendons, microvascular anastomosis of radial and ulnar arteries and veins to restore perfusion, and coaptation of major nerves such as median, ulnar, and radial nerves to enable long-term functional recovery.

In this particular case right side is a supracondylar level transplant while left side is distal forearm level. At its heart, however, this was not just a complex surgical feat but a life-changing moment for a young mother of two, whose journey now carries renewed hope-of holding her children, caring for them, and reclaiming independence.

Emphasizing the magnitude of the procedure, Dr. Anubhav Gupta stated, "Bilateral hand transplantation is not just a surgery, it is a carefully orchestrated sequence where even a few minutes can determine graft survival. Our goal was not only to restore form, but to give her the ability to return to her children with dignity and function." Dr. Bheem Nanda added, "Maintaining tissue viability throughout the prolonged ischemia time and ensuring stable fixation before vascular reperfusion are critical steps that demand extreme precision."

Dr. Nikhil Jhunjhunwala highlighted, "Equally important is the postoperative phase, where immunosuppression, rehabilitation, and close monitoring will shape her long-term recovery and quality of life." This achievement stands as a powerful blend of surgical excellence and human compassion-where advanced science meets the simple, profound hope of a mother embracing her children once again.