Greater Noida, Jan 07: Doctors at Yatharth Hospital, Greater Noida, successfully performed a complex thumb replantation surgery on a 41-year-old electrician whose thumb was completely severed in a workplace accident, demonstrating how timely medical care and advanced microsurgical expertise can save limbs even in critical cases.
The incident occurred when the electrician was cutting wood using a grinder machine, which suddenly slipped, causing the thumb to be amputated at its base. In a state of emergency, the patient sought treatment at multiple hospitals; however, due to the complexity of the injury, he was turned away. Acting on the advice of an acquaintance, he was eventually brought to Yatharth Hospital, where immediate medical intervention proved crucial.
Explaining the procedure, Dr. Saurabh K. Gupta, Director & Head – Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery, Yatharth Hospital, said that the first six hours after such injuries are considered the “golden period”, during which successful reattachment of severed body parts is possible.
“Microsurgical replantation involves reconnecting extremely fine nerves, arteries, veins, and tissues under a high-powered microscope to restore blood flow and function,” Dr. Gupta explained. “In this case, the greatest challenge was precisely reconnecting the blood vessels and nerves to ensure proper circulation and viability of the thumb.”
Given the severity of the injury, the patient was shifted to the operation theatre without delay. A specialized team of three plastic surgeons, including Dr. Saurabh K. Gupta and Dr. Eden Bilal, carried out a highly intricate microsurgical procedure lasting approximately 4.5 to 5 hours. The surgery was successful, and the replanted thumb regained blood circulation.
The patient is currently stable, recovering well, and has expressed heartfelt gratitude to the medical team for saving his thumb.
Dr. Gupta highlighted that such accidents are increasingly common in industrial and household settings, but timely medical attention combined with advanced microsurgical facilities—available at only a limited number of hospitals—can lead to successful outcomes even in severe injuries.
With continued investments in advanced surgical capabilities, Yatharth Hospital remains committed to delivering life- and limb-saving treatments, setting new benchmarks in reconstructive and microsurgical care.