World's first child hand transplant a 'success'

The first child in the world to undergo a double hand transplant is now able to write, feed and dress himself, doctors said, declaring the ground-breaking operation a success after 18 months.

The report in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health provides the first official medical update on 10-year old Zion Harvey, who underwent surgery to replace both hands in July 2015.

"Eighteen months after the surgery, the child is more independent and able to complete day-to-day activities," said Sandra Amaral, a doctor at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, where the operation took place.
"He continues to improve as he undergoes daily therapy to increase his hand function, and psychosocial support to help deal with the ongoing demands of his surgery."
Harvey had his hands and feet amputated at the age of two, following a sepsis infection. He also had a kidney transplant.
Researchers cautioned that more study is needed before hand transplants in children become widespread.
"The world's first double hand transplant in a child has been successful under carefully considered circumstances," said the report.
The first successful hand transplant in an adult was completed in 1998.