A man from Rajasthan’s Ajmer became the first man in Asia to successfully undergo a total arm transplant from the shoulder level. The 16-hour long surgery was conducted at Mumbai’s Global Hospital.
Mumbai,UPDATED: Mar 18, 2023 02:42 IST
Prema Ram underwent total arm transplant at Mumbai’s Global Hospital (India Today photo)
By Dev Kotak: 33-year-old Prema Ram from Rajasthan’s Ajmer became the first man in Asia to undergo a total bilateral arm transplant. The feat, a medical milestone for India, was achieved by a team of doctors in Mumbai’s Global Hospital who performed a 16-hour grueling surgery.
HOW DID RAM LOSE HIS ARMS?
More than a decade ago, Ram lost both his hands in an electrical accident. He accidentally came in contact with a live electric pole while working in the field. His hands sustained multiple burns. Doctors advised amputation of both his hands to save his life.
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Ram’s family tried to get artificial limbs and prostheses, but that could not give him functional hands. His arms were amputated at the shoulder level, leaving him more dependent on others for daily activities.
Over the years, Ram learned to write by holding a pen with his legs.
“I was devastated after I lost both my hands. Dealing with amputation was depressing. In the beginning, it was extremely challenging and I struggled every day and every minute. I had to take the help of my brothers and family members to perform my daily chores.
In spite of my disability, I didn’t give up. I always believed that I could get some solution for this problem. I wanted to do everything just like any normal person. I worked innovatively to get things done without help. I would practice holding things with my legs and establish a grip over everything.
I loved life and wanted to make the most of it. I completed my education and B Ed exams recently. I thank my family members, doctors and the entire team at Global Hospital Mumbai for giving me new hands. I believe nothing is impossible in this world. I am very happy and looking forward to healing and doing everything on my own,” said Prema Ram.
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Ram has already started his physiotherapy, which will continue for the next 18 to 24 months. He is expected to achieve considerable hand function in 18 months.
MILESTONE FOR INDIA
The team of doctors who helped Ram realise his dream was led by Dr Nilesh G Satbhai, Head of the Department of Plastic, Hand & Reconstructive Microsurgery and Transplant Surgery at Global Hospitals.
Dr Satbhai said, “Previously, a bilateral total arm transplant was done in Europe, and this is the first bilateral total arm transplant in Asia. Doing a hand transplant at such a proximal level is very challenging. It is a race against time. During the procedure, timing and coordination are important so that limbs are attached to the body as early as possible so that blood circulation begins immediately due to a large number of muscles being transferred. Doing the similar surgery on both sides adds up to technical and logistical challenges,” he added.
Dr Satbhai said India has set a new benchmark and this was needed as prosthetics don’t offer a permanent solution.
A hand transplant at the shoulder level, besides being considered tough or almost impossible in India, turned out to be about 8 to 10 times more cost effective than what it would be in America or Europe.
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