Vineeta Rao
Auckland, May 17, 2025
In a groundbreaking medical achievement, Asia’s first upper arm double hand transplant was successfully performed at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences in Kochi, India. The recipient, Shreya Siddanagowda, a 19-year-old chemical engineering student, lost both her hands in a tragic bus accident in September 2016.
The complex surgery, which lasted 13 hours, was led by Dr Subramania Iyer, Head of the Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Unit at Amrita Hospital. The procedure involved a team of 20 surgeons and 16 anaesthetists, who meticulously connected various nerves, muscles, tendons and arteries.
The donor, Sachin, a 20-year-old commerce student from Ernakulam, was declared brain dead following a motorcycle accident. His parents’ decision to donate his hands and other organs provided Shreya with a new lease on life.
Shreya’s journey to recovery has been both challenging and inspiring. The rehabilitation process is intensive, requiring daily physiotherapy and a regimen of movements for her fingers, wrists, and shoulders. Despite the difficulties, Shreya remains optimistic about her future. “Hopefully, in the next couple of years, I will be able to lead a near-normal and happy life,” she said.
This historic surgery not only marks a significant milestone in medical science but also brings hope to many who have suffered similar tragedies.
Dr Iyer emphasised the complexity of upper arm transplants, noting that only nine such procedures have been performed worldwide.
“The patient bears the weight of the transplanted hands at the upper arm, making rehabilitation much more difficult. Upper arm transplants are much more challenging than those at the wrist or forearm level due to the complexity involved in accurately identifying and connecting various nerves, muscles, tendons, and arteries,” he said.
Interestingly, Sachin’s arms which were darker and masculine in appearance, have turned fairer and become more feminine over time as they adapted to Shreya’s body.
Shreya’s story is a testament to the incredible advancements in medical technology.
As she continued her recovery, she expressed her deep gratitude to the donor’s family and the medical team at Amrita Hospital. “I thank the donor Sachin’s family and doctors at Amrita Hospital for giving my life back,” she said.
This pioneering surgery not only restores Shreya’s ability to pursue her dreams but also paves the way for future advancements in transplant surgery, offering hope and healing to many more patients in need.
It is a fantastic argument in favour of organ donation. It is as simple as checking the donor box on your license application or renewal form.
Vineeta Rao is an Indian Newslink Reporter based in Auckland.
