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Kim YH, Choi YR, Joo DJ, Baek WY, Suh YC, Oh WT, Cho JY, Lee SC, Kim SK, Ryu HJ, Jeon KO, Lee WJ, Hong JW. Reaching New Heights: A Comprehensive Study of Hand Transplantations in Korea after Institutionalization of Hand Transplantation Law. Yonsei Med J 2024; 65:108-119. [PMID: 38288651 PMCID: PMC10827641 DOI: 10.3349/ymj.2023.0365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE With the revision of the Organ and Transplantation Act in 2018, the hand has become legal as an area of transplantable organs in Korea. In January 2021, the first hand allotransplantation since legalization was successfully performed, and we have performed a total of three successful hand transplantation since then. By comparing and incorporating our experiences, this study aimed to provide a comprehensive reconstructive solution for hand amputation in Korea. MATERIALS AND METHODS Recipients were selected through a structured preoperative evaluation, and hand transplantations were performed at the distal forearm level. Postoperatively, patients were treated with three-drug immunosuppressive regimen, and functional outcomes were monitored. RESULTS The hand transplantations were performed without intraoperative complications. All patients had partial skin necrosis and underwent additional surgical procedures in 2 months after transplantation. After additional operations, no further severe complications were observed. Also, patients developed acute rejection within 3 months of surgery, but all resolved within 2 weeks after steroid pulse therapy. Motor and sensory function improved dramatically, and patients were very satisfied with the appearance and function of their transplanted hands. CONCLUSION Hand transplantation is a viable reconstructive option, and patients have shown positive functional and psychological outcomes. Although this study has limitations, such as the small number of patients and short follow-up period, we should focus on continued recovery of hand function, and be careful not to develop side effects from immunosuppressive drugs. Through the present study, we will continue to strive for a bright future regarding hand transplantation in Korea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yo Han Kim
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Institute for Human Tissue Restoration, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yun Rak Choi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Organ Transplantation Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dong Jin Joo
- Organ Transplantation Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- The Research Institute for Transplantation, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Woo Yeol Baek
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Institute for Human Tissue Restoration, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Chul Suh
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Institute for Human Tissue Restoration, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Won Taek Oh
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae Yong Cho
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sang Chul Lee
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sang Kyum Kim
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyang Joo Ryu
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyung Ock Jeon
- Organ Transplantation Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Won Jai Lee
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Institute for Human Tissue Restoration, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jong Won Hong
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Institute for Human Tissue Restoration, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Organ Transplantation Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
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