Landmark Microvascular Surgery Links Foot to Hand Successfully for the First Time in Jammu and Kashmir

In a remarkable stride for healthcare in Jammu and Kashmir, the Department of Plastic and Microvascular Surgery at Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) Soura has achieved a breakthrough by successfully performing a pioneering surgery. This procedure involved transplanting the toes of a 20-year-old patient to his hand, marking a significant milestone for healthcare in the region.

During an exclusive interview with ETV Bharat's Parvez Ud Din, Dr. Adil Hafeez, Head of the Department of Plastic and Microvascular Surgery at SKIMS, underscored the unprecedented nature of this surgical feat in Jammu and Kashmir. He stressed that such intricate procedures are rare and are only undertaken at a select few hospitals across the country due to their complexity and delicate nature.

Dr. Adil shared further insights into the rare surgical procedure, detailing the case of a 20-year-old patient who arrived at the hospital months earlier with three fingers of his right hand severed by machinery, leaving only his thumb and little finger intact. Despite initial treatments, the patient experienced complete loss of function in his right hand. Dr. Adil stressed that the sole viable solution to restore functionality was a toe transplant.

He highlighted the significant challenge of mentally preparing the patient for such a intricate surgery.

Dr. Adil underscored the complexity of the surgery, noting the dire consequences of failure: not only would the patient's hand remain non-functional, but he would also lose a toe. However, with the expertise of the medical team and the resources at SKIMS Soura's plastic surgery department, the operation was successful. Dr. Adil expressed gratitude for the crucial support from the anesthesia department during the 12-hour procedure.

Currently, the patient is in recovery at the hospital and showing steady improvement. There is hope that this surgery will restore functionality to his hand, enabling him to perform everyday tasks and significantly improve his quality of life in the future.