Thumb Transplant: Medical Miracle Gives Man New Lease On Life
Published: December 31, 2005
A Peruvian man being treated in a Baltimore hospital has two new thumbs, after his original ones were destroyed in a terrible accident.
The extensive damage to Francisco Benevente’s hands took place during his service in the Peruvian military.
In June of 2004, a device Benevente was carrying exploded, ruining Benevente’s thumbs.
He had 20 surgeries in Peru to stabilize his wounds, but eventually came to Union Memorial Hospital in Baltimore.
Doctors there made a decision to operate on both of Benevente’s hands at one time because his visa will expire soon.
The surgery took nine hours.
Benevente’s new thumbs are made up of his toe and index finger.
“The importance of the thumb can’t be underestimated. The actions of the hand include pinch and a grasping function,” said Dr. Thomas Graham of the Curtis National Hand Center.
Francisco says he still doesn’t feel much in his right thumb, but has some sensation in the left.
That feeling should get stronger over the next few months.
The 22-year-old said he is feeling good and ready to head home to Peru on Friday.
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