The United States now has its second hand transplant recipient.
On February 16 and 17, 36-year-old Jerry Fisher of Jackson, Michigan, received a new hand during a 13-hour procedure performed by the same doctors who carried out the nation's first hand transplant in January 1999.
The surgery was performed at Jewish Hospital in Louisville by an 18-member surgical team led by hand surgeon Warren Breidenbach, MD, and transplant surgeon Darla Granger, MD. The team represents Jewish Hospital, the University of Louisville, and Kleinert, Kutz and Associates Hand Care Center.
On February 21, Mr. Fisher wiggled his new fingertips. As of February 23, there were no signs of rejection. Doctors were monitoring for signs of rejection by visually observing the hand during daily changes of Mr. Fisher's bandages and from a biopsy of tissue they took from the back of the hand around the wrist area.
Mr. Fisher was also outfitted with an orthotic brace designed to allow the hand to continue to heal and to control the movement of the fingers during therapy. He is scheduled to undergo hand therapy two hours daily six days a week and will stay in the Louisville area for at least three months to continue therapy.
"It was evident from our first session that his attitude and whole approach to physical and occupational therapy will be beneficial. In these situations, the patient's drive and determination are major factors that affect the recovery period. From all indications, Jerry definitely is motivated," said occupational therapist Joann Keller.
The nation's first hand recipient, Matthew Scott, continues to fare well two years later. See Transplant News Network for February 1, 2001. "Hand Recipient Passes Two-Year Mark with Flying Colors". However, the world's first such transplant, performed in France four months earlier, ended in amputation on February 2 amid reports of patient noncompliance. See Transplant News Network for February 15, "First Transplanted Hand is Amputated".
For Your Information:
For statements and pictures from Jewish Hospital, see www.handtransplant.com. The New York Times interviews the recipient of the failed hand transplant at www.nytimes.com/2001/02/27/health/27HAND.html.
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