Kochi , 28-02-2025: For Manoj, a 50-year-old from Angamaly, life changed in an instant. The last thing he remembers from the workplace accident was the sight of his own hand separating from his wrist, a memory he recalls with fear. “All I thought about was the aftermath. I felt like this was the end of my life,” recollected Manoj, about the unfortunate accident.
Manoj’s right hand was completely severed at the wrist by a sheet-cutting machine. Initially he was taken to a private hospital in Aluva but was quickly referred to Aster Medcity for advanced care. Within 45 minutes of the accident, Manoj was admitted to the emergency department, where a team of medical experts acted swiftly to save his hand and his life.
Despite significant blood loss and mental trauma, a multidisciplinary team worked tirelessly. After initial stabilization by the Emergency Department, the team led by Dr. Manoj Sanap, Senior Consultant – Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery started dissection of the amputated part. Anesthesia was administered under the guidance of Dr. Aril Abraham E, Senior Consultant – Critical Care & Pain Management.
The surgical journey began with bone fixation by Dr. Shyam Gopal V, Consultant – Orthopaedics. Following this, Dr. Manoj Sanap, along with Dr. Niranjana Suresh and Dr. Shruthi T. S, carried out a meticulous replantation procedure. Over the course of 10 hours, the team successfully reattached the severed hand, by doing microvascular surgery which involved repair of multiple arteries, veins and nerves.
“Accidents like these can happen unexpectedly, but recovery is possible if patients are taken to hospitals equipped to provide advanced care. The field of plastic surgery has evolved far beyond aesthetics, playing a key role in life-saving and reconstructive procedures like this,” said Dr. Manoj Sanap, Senior Consultant – Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery, Aster Medcity.
Within 14 days he was able to return home. Now, third month into intensive physiotherapy and regular reviews, he is regaining the functionality of the hand.