A routine evening walk turned into a medical emergency for 75-year-old Bhagwani Singh from Lower Parel when a strong gust of wind slammed her apartment door shut on her hand, nearly amputating her index finger and injuring another finger. She also suffered a forehead injury during the accident.
Nearly 18 hours later, a specialist microsurgical team at Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, successfully replanted her finger despite the delayed presentation and complexity of the injury.
Challenging Microsurgery Restores Finger Function
Dr. Kushal Shah, Hand, Wrist, Brachial Plexus and Reconstructive Surgeon, said the patient suffered a crush amputation at the middle phalanx level. Since her family first approached another hospital before reaching a specialised centre, the prolonged warm ischaemia made the procedure more challenging.
The team stabilised the bone, repaired the tendons, and prepared the finger for microsurgical reconstruction. Dr. Raghav Mago, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, restored blood flow by performing delicate arterial and venous repairs under a microscope.
As per Medical Dialogues, the surgeons highlighted that diabetes, tobacco use, and the severity of the injury can significantly affect healing and the survival of a replanted finger.
Age Not a Barrier for Replantation
The patient’s uncontrolled diabetes and long-standing tobacco-chewing habit increased the risks of infection, thrombosis, and delayed healing. However, the surgeons emphasised that age alone should not prevent replantation decisions.
They noted that preserving finger length, sensation, grip strength, and hand function can greatly improve independence and quality of life, especially among elderly patients.
Dr. Shah added that timely medical attention, proper preservation of amputated parts, and early referral to specialised hand trauma centres are key factors in improving outcomes.
Family Thanks Medical Team
The patient’s granddaughter, Diksha Singh, said the family never expected a simple household accident to cause such a serious injury. She expressed gratitude to the surgical team for restoring her grandmother’s finger and confidence to continue daily activities independently.
Dr. Bipin Chevale, CEO of Gleneagles Hospital Mumbai, said the case reflects how advanced microsurgery and expert care can help achieve successful outcomes in complex limb-saving procedures.