Considering the psychological experience of amputation and rehabilitation for military veterans: a systematic review and metasynthesis of qualitative research

Murray, Craig; Havlin, Heather; Molyneaux, Victoria

doi:10.1080/09638288.2023.2182915

Cited by 5 publications

(2 citation statements)

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“…Psychologically and socially, hand/arm amputations can be more debilitating and limiting than any other disability, not to mention inconvenient in everyday life. 9 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 However, hand/arm transplantation has drawn little medical interest as there is an alternative (prosthetic limbs) and the procedure has often been underestimated or ignored, especially in the field of transplantation, since the hand is not a vital organ. 29 …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Aside from functional problems, depression and psychosocial weakness can be quite distressing for amputees. 25 26 47 Of course, the importance of an extremity cannot compare to that of a vital organ, but amputation is no less painful than vital organ failure. The development of immunosuppressive drugs has reduced and improved the side effects of transplantation.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Reaching New Heights: A Comprehensive Study of Hand Transplantations in Korea after Institutionalization of Hand Transplantation Law

Kim,

Choi,

Joo

et al. 2024

Yonsei Med J

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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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