India’s First Ever Case of Finger Reconstruction in Sir Ganga Ram

New Delhi: A 32 year old man got amputated two fingers of his hand, thanks to an accident involving bike chain. But lo and behold! Fingers were again reconstructed in Sir Ganga Ram by using flap from foot toe. This plastic surgery milestone has been pulled off for the first time in India

This remarkable procedure, known as ‘Free Vascularised Partial Toe Transfer,’ was performed at the hospital under Dr. Nikhil Jhunjhunwala, Hand Surgeon, with guidance from Dr. Mahesh Mangal, Chairman of Plastic Surgery.

The medical team at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital devised a visionary plan to reconstruct Mr. Khan’s middle finger using a free vascularised partial to transfer. On September 22, 2023, a surgical milestone was achieved as half of the great toe, complete with its blood vessels, was skillfully transferred to reconstruct the amputated finger. The attachment of the toe flap to the finger’s blood vessels was carried out using advanced microvascular surgical techniques, marking a significant advancement in finger reconstruction.

‘We are thrilled to report that Mr. Anjum Pervez Khan was discharged from our hospital on September 27, 2023, with his newly reconstructed finger in perfect health and full functionality,’ stated Dr. Nikhil Jhunjhunwala. ‘This procedure has not only restored his finger but has also positively impacted his overall quality of life’, he added.

The noteworthy aspect of this technique is that it offers hope to individuals with amputated fingers, enabling them to regain both function and aesthetics. As Dr. Mahesh Mangal explained, ‘All amputated fingers, regardless of the level of amputation, can now be reconstructed using partial toe transfer. Patients undergoing this surgery can retain all five toes in their foot, ensuring not only functional restoration but also a finger that resembles its natural counterpart rather than a toe.’

The significance of finger reconstruction surgery cannot be overstated. A functional hand is a cornerstone of an individual’s Activities of Daily Living, and this procedure has the potential to transform the lives of countless patients facing similar challenges