Apollo Hospitals Hyderabad has successfully completed a landmark microvascular replantation surgery, marking the first major proximal limb reattachment in the two Telugu states. This milestone reinforces Apollo’s leadership in advanced trauma care and brings renewed hope to patients with severe limb injuries.
On October 11, 2024, 32-year-old Mr. A. Pavan Kumar from Mancherial was admitted to Apollo Hospitals Hyderabad after suffering a severe elbow-level amputation of his right hand. The injury included a complex Grade 3c open fracture of the proximal humerus—the upper arm bone connected to the shoulder—along with multiple fractures in the amputated limb. The muscle damage on both sides of the injury added further complexity. Despite exceeding the critical “Golden Hour” of 4 to 6 hours for reimplantation, Apollo’s team acted swiftly, bypassing the ER and moving directly to the operating theatre for immediate intervention.
A dedicated team of surgeons led by Dr. G N Bandari, Consultant Hand, Wrist, and Microsurgeon, along with Dr. Guru Prasad (Plastic Surgeon), Dr. Vivek Reddy (Orthopaedic Surgeon), Dr. Sharanya (Anaesthetist), and Dr. Raj Kumar (Critical Care Specialist), conducted the intricate eight-hour surgery. Two teams worked simultaneously—one preparing the amputated hand and the other working on Mr. Kumar’s arm for reattachment. The procedure’s success was supported by junior hand team doctors Dr. Syed Noaman Quadri and Dr. Ganesh Perke, nurses Dariya and Payal, technician Naveen, and the critical care team.
Now, 26 days post-surgery, Mr. Kumar is showing promising signs of recovery. His reattached hand is healing well, with plans for further surgeries in six months to enhance finger movement and sensation.
Dr. G N Bandari stated, “This surgery is a milestone in microvascular replantation, proving that success is possible even beyond the traditional golden hour. Public awareness about the immediate care and proper preservation of amputated parts is crucial for successful reimplantation. While the upper limb has a 4 to 6-hour window, the wrist and fingers can extend up to 6 to 8 hours. It’s vital that the public knows amputated limbs can be reattached if properly preserved and brought quickly to a specialized hospital.” He emphasized that the amputated part should be washed, placed in a polythene cover or aluminum wrapper, and kept in an ice pack—avoiding direct ice contact to prevent frostbite damage.
Dr. Bandari also noted that hand transplantation using cadaver hands, while not yet performed in the Telugu states, is a future goal. “With support from programs like Jeevandan, we have proposed to the government to enable hand transplants in the near future,” he said.
Mr. Tejesvi Rao, CEO of Apollo Hospitals, Telangana Region, commented, “This achievement highlights Apollo’s commitment to pioneering medical care. Our teams are dedicated to setting new standards in trauma treatment and providing transformative healthcare solutions for our communities.”
Dr. Ravinder Babu, Director of Medical Services at Apollo Hospitals Hyderabad, emphasized, “Our success in this complex replantation is a testament to our investment in highly specialized teams and advanced microvascular expertise. Quick access to a capable hospital is crucial for the best outcomes. We strive to ensure that such procedures restore both form and function, enabling life-changing recoveries.”
Mr. Pavan Kumar expressed his gratitude: “After my hand was amputated in Mancherial, it was carefully packed and brought with me to Apollo Hospitals. I didn’t think I’d get my hand back, but today I am recovering well. I encourage others to stay calm in similar situations and reach a specialized hospital as soon as possible with the properly preserved limb.”
As per the press release, this case serves as a landmark in trauma care, emphasizing the importance of prompt action and proper preservation for successful reimplantation. It also points to future advancements in hand transplantation, where donor hands can help those with congenital or traumatic limb loss regain functionality.
Apollo Hospitals Hyderabad continues to lead in medical innovation, improving trauma care and expanding the possibilities for limb reattachment and transplantation to benefit patients across the region.