Timely treatment can ensure successful recovery even in severe injuries
Successful thumb replantation performed through a complex 4–5 hour microscopic surgery
A Greater Noida–based electrician met with a serious accident while cutting wood using a grinder machine at work. During the process, the machine slipped from his hand, resulting in his thumb being completely severed at the base. In a critical condition, the patient approached multiple hospitals for treatment; however, due to the complexity of the case, treatment was declined. Following the advice of an acquaintance, the patient was brought to Yatharth Hospital, Greater Noida unit, where timely and appropriate medical care made successful treatment possible.
Explaining the case, Dr. Saurabh K. Gupta, Director & Head – Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery, Yatharth Hospital, said that the first six hours after such an injury are considered the golden period. During this time, a severed body part can be successfully reattached through microscopic surgery. The procedure involves identifying and reconnecting extremely fine nerves and blood vessels under a microscope.
Dr. Gupta added that the biggest challenge in this case was reconnecting the nerves and blood vessels of the severed thumb to those in the hand to restore normal blood circulation. This entire procedure is known as microsurgical replantation.
Considering the severity of the injury, the patient was immediately shifted to the operation theatre without any delay. A team of three plastic surgeons, including Dr. Saurabh K. Gupta and Dr. Eden Bilal, performed a complex microsurgical procedure lasting approximately 4.5 to 5 hours and successfully replanted the thumb. The patient is currently stable, recovering well, and has expressed gratitude to the doctors for the successful treatment.
Dr. Gupta emphasized that such accidents are common, but with timely medical attention and advanced facilities like microsurgical surgery—which are available at very few hospitals—successful outcomes are possible even in severe injuries. Yatharth Hospital continues to make consistent efforts in advancing such life- and limb-saving procedures.
