Sub-Inspector Harjeet Singh expresses gratitude to PGI doctors

Naina Mishra

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 6

Patiala Sub-Inspector Harjeet Singh, whose amputated hand was successfully re-implanted, today visited the PGI for a follow-up. He was discharged on April 30.

Harjeet Singh took to the social media for the first time to thank the team of PGI doctors who performed the surgery. He said: “I am thankful to the team, led by Dr Sunil Gaba, for taking care of me. Doctors have given me a new lease of life.”

Plastic surgeon Sunil Gaba said: “He was recovering fine till now and there is a little movement in his fingers. His hand will require physiotherapy for a few days. It will take one to two months for him to properly move his fingers. However, wrist movement will be restricted for some time.”

He said: “Initial seven to 10 days were crucial for re-implanted. For two to three days, there is always a high chance of blockage of blood vessels. Then the chance of infections increases.”

On April 14, after two days of the first surgery, another surgery was carried for at least 10 hours.

Unpreserved part poses a challenge

“We get five to six cases of amputated body parts every month, but we are able to save only those where the amputated part is not immersed in water or ice,” said Dr Gaba.

The reason which led to successful surgery of Singh was that the amputated hand was well-preserved and reached the PGIMER in three hours of being severed. The amputated part should reach the hospital in four to six hours. A pressure bandage should be tied on the cut part so that there is minimal blood loss and patient can be operated on.

Gaba added: “Only a clean-cut and non-crushed body part can be re-implanted.”

How to preserve an amputated part?

• Clean the part with water or, if possible, with sterile saline solution.
• Cover it in a moistened gauze wrap.
• Place it in a watertight bag.
• Do not put the body part dirctly in water without using a plastic bag.

Whom to consult?

A plastic surgeon in the area should be immediately contacted so that he/she could make arrangements for surgery. If the facility is not available locally, one should report to local hospital where the amputated part can be preserved.