First double hand transplant carried out in Spain

First double hand transplant carried out in Spain
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By m.p. - Dec 11, 2006 - 10:13 PM

Alba F.C., the first patient in Spain to receive a hand transplant. Photo - EFE/Manuel Bruque.

The 10 hour operation was carried out at a Valencia hospital

Spain’s first bilateral hand transplant has been carried out at the Hospital La Fe in Valencia. The patient is a 47 year old woman who lost both her hands 28 years ago during a chemistry experiment.

The 10 hour operation was carried out by a reconstructive surgery team from the Pedro Cavadas Foundation, and is, worldwide, the first of its type to be carried out on a woman.

Cavadas said in a press conference on Monday that Alba, who is from Castellón, could start recovering sensitivity within 5 to 6 months.

Only two of the hand transplants carried out in the world have failed, in both cases because the patient stopped taking the medication prescribed by doctors. The recipient in the first operation which took place in the United States 8 years ago is said to be doing ‘very well.’
(health story)

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