This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/health-15547300
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Hand transplant search begins for first UK operation | Hand transplant search begins for first UK operation |
(about 11 hours later) | |
Surgeons in Leeds have begun the search for a patient to take part in the UK's first hand transplant. | Surgeons in Leeds have begun the search for a patient to take part in the UK's first hand transplant. |
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has written to plastic surgeons across the country asking them to recommend patients. | Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has written to plastic surgeons across the country asking them to recommend patients. |
The first hand transplant took place in France in 1998. Since then, 60 more operations have taken place worldwide. | The first hand transplant took place in France in 1998. Since then, 60 more operations have taken place worldwide. |
Doctors believe the first UK operation will be performed at Leeds General Infirmary within a year. | Doctors believe the first UK operation will be performed at Leeds General Infirmary within a year. |
Leeds already has a reputation in reattaching hands for people who have had them cut off. | Leeds already has a reputation in reattaching hands for people who have had them cut off. |
Prof Simon Kay, consultant plastic surgeon, said transplanting a hand from a donor was "exactly the same" as the techniques already practised at the hospital. | Prof Simon Kay, consultant plastic surgeon, said transplanting a hand from a donor was "exactly the same" as the techniques already practised at the hospital. |
He told the BBC: "Only when you speak to people who've lost a hand can you realise what a devastating thing it is, losing both hands is absolutely incapacitating. | He told the BBC: "Only when you speak to people who've lost a hand can you realise what a devastating thing it is, losing both hands is absolutely incapacitating. |
"Now for those people there is real hope of restoration of natural appearance, natural feeling, natural function." | "Now for those people there is real hope of restoration of natural appearance, natural feeling, natural function." |
He is working with NHS Blood and Transplant to work out how best to identify potential donors. | He is working with NHS Blood and Transplant to work out how best to identify potential donors. |
Earlier in the year, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence issued guidance on hand transplants. It warned of a shortage of evidence about the safety and effectiveness of the procedure. | |
As a result it said the operation should take place only in centres with highly experienced surgeons and that patients should be warned of the risks. | |
"In particular the need for and risks of long-term immunosuppression, and the fact that functioning of the transplant may be both delayed and limited," it said. |
Previous version
1
Next version