Rare complete hand transplant performed successfully in the U.S.

Surgeons at Emory University Hospital, United States, successfully completed a rare complete hand transplant in a 21 year old student.

The procedure, performed by a team of surgeons, anesthetists and nurses, involved the connection of several structures, including bones, tendons, nerves, vessels, and finally the skin.

After the procedure, lasting 19 hours, the patient was placed in a protective splint for 48 hours and is now wearing a brace of high technology that supports the limb while she begins the long process to get the functions of the new hand.

The student Linda Lu said he believes that it will never be a normal hand, but without the left hand since I was a child, hopes that this helps in simple daily activities.

"This is an exciting time for our patients, their families and community reconstruction in general. Lu is going very well. She is feeling well and has already begun intensive care here in Atlanta. She is excited about the possibilities that await as she continues their progress, said Dr. Linda Cendali.

Lu's case is among a small number of hand transplants have been carried out successfully in the U.S. and puts Emory University is among the only four centers querealizaram the procedure successfully.

The first hand transplant in the U.S. happened in Louisville in 1999.

"This represents a great success for Emory and medicine," said Senator Chambliss. "The procedure has shown that they will benefit many people, including members of our armed forces injured in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere.

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