Mumbai: In a groundbreaking medical achievement, KEM Hospital’s Department of Plastic Surgery has completed a shoulder-level transplant of the right upper limb. The landmark surgery took place on the night of April 26, 2025, restoring hope and functionality to a 22-year-old man who had lost his arm in a tragic incident over two years ago.
The donor, a 40-year-old businessman, was declared brain dead on the preceding Saturday. In an extraordinary act of generosity, his family chose to donate multiple organs, including the right upper limb and one kidney, to KEM Hospital. The timely and compassionate decision made the transplant possible.
Dr. Sangeeta Ravat, Dean of KEM Hospital, played a crucial role in facilitating the Green Corridor for the rapid transport of the harvested limb, ensuring the seamless logistics necessary for the surgery. She also provided invaluable administrative support in making the complex transplant possible.
This monumental surgery was carried out under the guidance of Municipal Commissioner of BMC Bhushan Gagrani, Additional Municipal Commissioner (Western Suburbs), and Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Public Health) Shri Sharad Ughade.
The intricate procedure was led by Dr. Vinita Puri, Professor and Head of the Department of Plastic Surgery, with a highly skilled team that included Plastic Surgeons Dr. Venkateshwaran N., Dr. Nilesh Shende, Dr. Chandrashekhar Chalwade, Dr. Raghav Mago, and other faculty and resident doctors. Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr. Prashant Kamble, Anaesthesia team led by Dr. Sweta Salgaonkar, and the Nephrology team headed by Dr. Tukaram Jamale, along with other medical professionals, provided comprehensive support throughout the surgery.
As of 24 hours post-operation, the patient is stable, with the transplanted limb showing signs of warmth and proper vascularization. The patient remains under close observation in the Transplant ICU, with doctors hopeful for a full recovery.
This extraordinary medical feat is a testament to the dedication of the KEM Hospital team and the life-saving generosity of the donor’s family. Their profound gift has given a young man a second chance at life, transforming his future with renewed hope and opportunity.
