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Mumbai: In an extraordinary medical feat, Jeevesh Kushwah, a 32-year-old man from Madhya Pradesh, underwent a groundbreaking 12-hour long ‘bilateral hand transplant’ surgery at Global Hospitals in Mumbai. Now, on the path to recovery, Kushwah is anticipating regaining near-normal movements of his upper limbs and eagerly looking forward to a brighter future, including marriage, hospital officials announced on Monday.
Kushwah’s journey began tragically in December 2020 when he suffered a high-voltage electric shock while working at a steel fabrication factory in Ujjain. The incident left him with severe electric burns on both his arms and legs, prompting extensive medical treatment in Ujjain and later in Indore. However, the prognosis was grim, with doctors advising amputation of his right leg and both hands to save his life.
Despite the devastating news, Kushwah’s family made the difficult decision to proceed with the amputations. After undergoing surgery, Kushwah adapted to life with artificial limbs, managing to stand and walk with an artificial leg. However, the lack of functional hands left him dependent on family members for daily tasks.
Determined to improve his quality of life, Kushwah and his family sought assistance from Global Hospitals in Parel, Mumbai, consulting with Dr. Nilesh Satbhai, Head of Plastic, Hand, Reconstructive Microsurgery & Transplantation, in June 2022. Following thorough assessments and consultations, Kushwah was registered for a bilateral hand transplant, marking the beginning of a transformative journey.
The wait for a suitable donor ended swiftly, with compatible hands procured from a brain-dead donor just a month after registration. Dr. Satbhai led the surgical team through a complex 12-hour operation, overcoming numerous challenges to successfully complete the bilateral hand transplant.
Dr. Vivek Talaulikar, COO of IHH Healthcare India, praised the hospital’s medical team for their meticulous planning and execution of the surgery, emphasizing the coordination required between the donor’s family and Kushwah’s.
Recovering in the ICU without complications, Kushwah was discharged after three weeks of post-operative care. Dr. Satbhai expressed optimism regarding Kushwah’s future, anticipating significant hand function recovery over the next 6-9 months, albeit with lifelong immunosuppression.
For Kushwah, the surgery represents a new beginning, alleviating years of frustration and helplessness. With newfound independence and dignity, he eagerly anticipates resuming everyday activities with his transplanted hands, including his long-awaited marriage plans.
The successful surgery adds to Global Hospital’s remarkable track record in hand transplants, including pioneering achievements in Asia. From 2020 onwards, the hospital has completed 10 hand transplants, showcasing its commitment to pushing the boundaries of medical science and offering hope to patients like Kushwah.
