In a moment filled with joy and celebration, 15-year-old Anamta Ahmad, the world’s youngest recipient of a successful shoulder-level total arm transplant, was discharged from Gleneagles Hospitals in Parel, Mumbai. A month after the groundbreaking surgery, Anamta stepped out of the hospital amid cheers and applause from nurses and paramedical staff, who gathered to honor her bravery. Dr. Nilesh Satbhai, Head of Plastic, Hand, Reconstructive Microsurgery, and Transplantation, along with his team, expressed pride in her recovery and determination after the complex 12-hour surgery.
Anamta’s journey began two years ago when, at the age of 13, she suffered a severe electric shock while playing with her cousins in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh. The accident led to extensive burns and gangrene, resulting in the amputation of her right arm and severe damage to her left. After several unsuccessful attempts to find a solution at hospitals both in India and abroad, her family turned to Dr. Satbhai at Gleneagles Hospitals. Registered for a hand transplant, Anamta waited over a year to receive a donor limb.
In a historic surgery, Anamta became the youngest person in the world to undergo a successful shoulder-level arm transplant and the first female globally to achieve this milestone. The donor was a 9-year-old brain-dead child from Surat, India’s youngest hand donor to date.
Dr. Satbhai explained the challenges of the surgery, noting, “This was a highly complex procedure, involving intricate vascular and nerve repairs. It was crucial to restore blood circulation to the transplanted limb in time to ensure its survival. Anamta’s recovery is progressing well, and her resilience is truly inspiring.”
As per the press release, the hospital team expressed their commitment to helping other patients in need of similar transplants. Mr. Nilesh Mandlewala of Donate Life, an advocate for organ donation, said, “Hand donations are rare, but awareness is growing. I’m proud to have played a part in encouraging this donor family to contribute to such a life-changing cause.”
Gleneagles Hospitals CEO, Dr. Bipin Chevale, highlighted the growing interest in hand transplants following Anamta’s surgery, the 12th successful hand transplant at the facility. “We’ve seen a surge in inquiries from both India and abroad. As a leading hand transplant center in Mumbai, we remain committed to providing world-class care and helping individuals reclaim their independence.”
Anamta’s journey is being celebrated as a triumph of medical science and human resilience, offering hope to countless others seeking life-changing treatments.