UK-first double hand transplant completed in Leeds

THE first double hand transplant in the UK has been successfully completed by a team from Leeds General Infirmary.

Led by Professor Simon Kay, the LGI team of eight surgeons finished the operation in a gruelling 12 hours.

Chris King from Doncaster was the recipient of the new hands, after having lost both of his (except his thumbs) in a metal pressing accident at work three years ago.

“They look absolutely tremendous,” he said.”They’re my hands. They really are my hands. My blood’s going through them. My tendons are attached. They’re mine. They really are. I can’t wait to get all this (the bandages) off and look at them properly.”

Professor Kay said: “This the first time as far as I’m aware, that a hand transplant’s been done which hasn’t been above the wrist, which has been within the substance of the hand, which makes it much more difficult and more complex.”

It is only the second time in the UK that has received a hand transplant, following a single hand transplant at LGI in 2012.

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