the world's first double-hand transplant has proved a success with a 33-year-old patient, Denis Chatelier, able to move the fingertips of both hands.
Twenty-five days after the operation, Chatelier, from western France, raised both plaster-encased hands and said he was "very, very happy". Still confined to a wheelchair, Chatelier said: "I've now got two real hands. Later, I'll be able to give my kids a cuddle."
Doctors said there was no sign of any rejection of his new hands and the stumps, where the limbs were attached, were healing well. Jean-Michel Dubernard, head of the international surgical team, which conducted the 17-hour ground-beaking operation, said that Chatelier was "in excellent condition".
Chatelier had both hands amputated in 1996 after a home-made rocket exploded as he was playing with his nephews. He was given the hands and a small part of the forearms of a deceased donor.
In September 1998, Dubernard successfully completed the transplant of a hand onto a New Zealand man, Clint Hallam.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.