Breakthrough as Yorkshire surgeons to carry out first hand transplant in UK

Doctors at Leeds General Infirmary have launched a search to find suitable adults for the procedure to attach a hand or arm below the shoulder.

The first transplant could take place within 12 months at the hospital which would join an elite group of centres across the world that have so far performed some 60 successful procedures.

The 36-strong team of experts from a range of specialities involved in the transplantation process is led by plastic surgeon Prof Simon Kay, an internationally-renowned expert in microsurgery and reconstruction who has been working in partnership with European centres which already carry out the surgery.

He said: “Leeds is extremely well placed to offer this new type of transplant surgery as we already have the expertise and facilities in place and excellent clinical outcomes.

“We are one of the best-known microsurgery units in Europe and the principles of transplanting a hand and lower limb are exactly the same as the work we already do to re-attach an existing hand or limb when it is severed in an accident, for example.

“Preparing for any new type of transplant surgery takes time and of course we need to ensure we have all the protocols in place for when the time comes.

“As part of this we need to start now in identifying a number of patients from around the country who could potentially be the first to undergo the surgery.

“This is a tremendously exciting opportunity as this type of surgery can transform the quality of life for patients who have lost one or both hands or arms.”

He expected patients, who are likely to have lost limbs to trauma injuries such as explosions or car accidents, to regain “very nearly” normal function but they would require lifelong anti-rejection drugs as well as extensive counselling before and afterwards.

Patients who might qualify will need to meet a range of criteria and will be fully assessed before being put forward for a possible transplant.

The operation is likely to take up to six hours per limb, involving work on skin, bone, muscle and nerves. Those who have lost two hands could be offered a double transplant.

The hospital has written to plastic surgeons around the country to suggest potential transplant candidates but some are likely to be no longer under the care of specialists.

Protocols are being set up to identify donors and to discuss donation with next of kin who will need to give explicit permission for transplants to take place.

Prof Kay said relatives who approved transplants brought “enormous joy and relief” to those receiving organs and their families.

“Donating an organ is the most wonderful and generous thing you can do at the height of your grief - it is very empowering,” he said.

Anyone interested in being considered for the operation can email [email protected].