Mafraq Hospital leads successful hand replantation

Procedure utilizes cutting edge microscopic technology, delivered by local experts

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 23 July 2019: Specialists at Mafraq Hospital, part of Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA), the UAE’s largest healthcare network, have successfully replanted a severed hand using world-leading technology and microscopic transplant techniques. 

The male patient was transferred to Mafraq hospital immediately after being involved in a workplace accident. The incident created a complicated medical challenge due to multiple crushed bones and the severing of all ligaments, arteries and nerves feeding the hand.

Medical staff at Mafraq completed the complex procedure using microscopic surgery techniques that successfully restored blood flow and hand hydration and reinstated the bones, arteries and ligaments to save the hand. 

Dr. Muqdad Al-Hammadi, Consultant and Head of Plastic Surgery, Burns and Hand surgery at Mafraq Hospital, said: "The success of the hand replantation depends on the extent of tissue damage, which is directly impacted by time. Since the patient and his hand arrived at the hospital within seven hours, we were able to safely restore it. In some cases, if an injury takes place and the severed body part is preserved properly in a cold container within two hours, it may be salvaged. This is the seventh case I have conducted at Mafraq hospital over the last four years. Two of the injured are citizens, where hand amputation is considered a rare injury according to global studies." 

At Mafraq Hospital the facility has a 100 per cent success rate for replantation procedures. Medical professionals attribute this achievement to the use of world class techniques and technology as well as rapid intervention and adherence to clear treatment plans, including intensive physiotherapy to restore the functions and aid healing.

There are many causes of amputation injuries, including the lack of proper safety measures when cycling and driving. UAE workplace labor laws help minimize occupational risk and remain a key component in preventing injuries of this nature. 

Dr. Muqdad Al-Hammadi also praised the assistant medical team of anesthesiologists, nurses and Dr. Mona Al-Atrash for providing high medical service to ensure the success of the operation.