Our Summary

The UK’s hand transplantation program, led by Professor Simon Kay at Leeds Teaching Hospitals, has performed ten procedures on six people since 2013. These surgeries involved either one or both hands. The team, which includes experts in transplant immunology, has provided detailed findings on their work to support further developments in the program.

FAQs

  1. Who is leading the UK’s hand transplantation program?
  2. How many hand transplantation procedures have been performed by the team at Leeds Teaching Hospitals since 2013?
  3. What kind of experts are included in the hand transplantation team at Leeds Teaching Hospitals?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient considering a hand transplant is to carefully follow the post-operative care instructions provided by their medical team. This may include taking prescribed medications, attending follow-up appointments, and participating in physical therapy to aid in the recovery process and improve hand function. It is also important for patients to communicate any concerns or changes in their condition to their healthcare provider to ensure the best possible outcome following a hand transplant surgery.

Suitable For

Hand transplant surgeries are typically recommended for patients who have lost one or both hands due to trauma, injury, or illness. These patients may have tried other forms of treatment, such as prosthetics or reconstructive surgery, but have not achieved satisfactory function or appearance.

Candidates for hand transplant surgery are carefully evaluated by a multidisciplinary team, including surgeons, transplant immunologists, psychologists, and rehabilitation specialists, to ensure they are physically and emotionally prepared for the procedure and the lifelong commitment to immunosuppressive medication and rehabilitation.

Patients who are considered for hand transplant surgery typically have good overall health, are motivated to commit to the rigorous post-operative care and rehabilitation process, and have realistic expectations about the potential outcomes of the surgery. They must also have a suitable match with a donor hand in terms of size, skin tone, and blood type.

Overall, hand transplant surgery is a complex and challenging procedure that can significantly improve the quality of life for patients who have lost the use of their hands. It is important for patients to work closely with their healthcare team to determine if hand transplant surgery is the right option for them.

Timeline

Before hand transplant:

  1. Patient undergoes extensive evaluation to determine eligibility for hand transplant, including physical and psychological assessments.
  2. Patient is placed on a waiting list for a suitable donor hand.
  3. Patient receives counseling and support to prepare for the surgery and post-transplant recovery.

During hand transplant:

  1. Patient undergoes a complex surgical procedure to attach the donor hand to their own arm, including connecting bones, tendons, nerves, and blood vessels.
  2. Patient is closely monitored in the intensive care unit immediately following the surgery to prevent complications.

After hand transplant:

  1. Patient undergoes months of rehabilitation therapy to regain movement and function in the transplanted hand.
  2. Patient continues to take immunosuppressant medications to prevent rejection of the donor hand.
  3. Patient receives ongoing medical and psychological support to adjust to their new hand and manage any complications that may arise.
  4. Patient may experience improvements in quality of life, including increased independence and functionality in daily activities.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. Am I a candidate for a hand transplant?
  2. What are the risks and potential complications of a hand transplant surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery process and what kind of rehabilitation will be needed?
  4. What medications will I need to take post-transplant and what are the potential side effects?
  5. How long can I expect the transplanted hand to last?
  6. What are the success rates of hand transplants in terms of function and overall satisfaction?
  7. How will a hand transplant impact my daily life and activities?
  8. What kind of follow-up care will be required after the surgery?
  9. Are there any alternatives to a hand transplant that I should consider?
  10. What support services are available to help me through the transplant process and recovery period?

Reference

Authors: Clark B, Carter C, Wilks DJ, Lobb M, Hughes P, Baker R, Kay SPJ. Journal: Int J Immunogenet. 2020 Feb;47(1):28-33. doi: 10.1111/iji.12466. Epub 2019 Dec 15. PMID: 31840432