Gurugram doctors replant completely amputated forearm
In a rare and high-risk medical emergency, doctors at Manipal Hospital, Gurugram, successfully replanted the completely amputated left forearm of a 28-year-old man after an eight-to-nine-hour microsurgical procedure.
The man had suffered a sharp injury that resulted in total amputation of the distal one-third of his left forearm. His severed hand was immediately preserved at a nearby facility, where he also received initial first aid and proper wound care — a timely step that made replantation possible.
He was then rushed to Manipal Hospital for urgent surgery.
On arrival, the patient was in a critical condition with heavy blood loss.
A multi-speciality team led by Dr Asheesh Dhingra, Consultant — Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Manipal Hospital, Gurugram, was already prepared for an emergency replantation.
During the complex operation, the plastic surgery team meticulously cleaned the injured area, fixed the broken bones, repaired torn muscles and tendons, and used microscopic precision to reconnect tiny blood vessels to restore blood circulation.
The procedure was further complicated by the patient’s uncommon blood group, requiring constant coordination between the surgical and anaesthesia teams to manage blood loss and maintain stability.
Speaking about the case, Dr Dhingra said, “Complete limb amputations requiring replantations are not uncommon, but awareness about the possibility of saving limbs at centres with reimplantation teams is still lacking. When the area involves dense nerves, tendons, and vessels, every minute counts — from proper preservation of the amputated limb to the start of microsurgical repair.
This case was unique because the injury occurred in a peripheral location, and timely awareness and referral by the primary care provider played a significant role in salvaging the limb.”
He added that the patient’s determination and the coordinated medical response were equally crucial in ensuring a positive outcome.
This case was unique because the injury occurred in a peripheral location, and timely awareness and referral by the primary care provider played a significant role in salvaging the limb — Dr. ASHEESH Dhingra, Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery
