DURHAM – The Duke School of Medicine celebrated a medical breakthrough Wednesday.
Last month, doctors performed the first hand transplant in the entire state. It took 12 hours and 17 surgeons. The patient was Rene Chavez, 54, from Laredo, Texas.
Chavez said he has been made whole again after getting a left hand. He lost it 50 years ago when he was 4 years old playing with his brother, involving a meat grinder.
"Because I lost it when I was very little and all my life I lived like it was normal," he said, through a Spanish interpreter.
Chavez was able to go undergo a hand transplant after receiving the hand from an anonymous, deceased donor. Doctors stopped short of calling this a success, saying Chavez has to be able to fully gain use of his new hand. Right now, he can move his fingers a little, but the bones, muscles, and nerves must fully integrate with those of the donor.
Chavez, who is a car dealer and a construction worker, said he's gotten used to only working with his right hand and hopes to gain use of his left hand.
"I think time is needed for me to explore."
Doctors said the procedure is still in its clinical trial and much more work needs to be done before this is made public. Only 90 people worldwide have received a transplanted hand.
Chavez must wear a cast for about a year. Doctors still have to monitor him to make sure his body doesn't reject his new hand.