AIIMS Mangalagiri doctors reattach amputated arm in rare procedure in AP

Vijayawada: The plastic surgery department at AIIMS Mangalagiri has successfully performed a trans-humeral (mid-arm) amputation replantation, marking the first such surgery in Andhra Pradesh.The procedure was led by Dr Shanthakumar Shivalingappa, along with Dr Likhitha Reddy and Dr Manoj, with support from the orthopaedic, cardiothoracic and vascular surgery teams, and the anaesthesia department. Using meticulous microsurgical techniques, the team reconstructed major blood vessels, stabilised the bone, and repaired muscles and soft tissues to reattach the amputated limb.
Hospital authorities said the highly demanding surgery lasted nearly eight hours. Such advanced microsurgical replantation procedures are rarely performed and are available only at a limited number of specialised centres.The patient, a 25-year-old man from Jharkhand working as a mill machine-load operator in a road construction company, suffered a severe crush injury after his left arm got trapped in a tar machine near Hanuman Junction on Feb 22. He was rushed to AIIMS Mangalagiri along with the amputated limb.Given the extensive crush and avulsion injury, doctors informed the patient of the extremely slim chances of limb survival. However, considering the critical six-hour window required for restoring blood circulation, the team proceeded with emergency replantation.The patient was monitored in the Critical Care Unit for 14 days for limb survival, kidney function, and overall organ stability. Five days after the initial procedure, the surgical wound was covered with a skin graft.Due to severe nerve avulsion, complete nerve repair could not be performed during the primary surgery. Secondary procedures, including nerve reconstruction and bone fixation, are planned. The patient is currently stable, recovering in the ward, and expected to be discharged soon after further monitoring.AIIMS Mangalagiri executive director prof Dr Ahanthem Santa Singh congratulated the multidisciplinary team and said the landmark procedure highlights the institute's advanced trauma care and microsurgical capabilities, marking a significant milestone for reconstructive surgery in the state.