Pioneering solution to regenerate hands after severe trauma

Established in 1985, Singapore General Hospital is now the first center in Singapore specializing in upper limb transplantation and reconstruction, and is one of the leading specialized centers in the region. Here, complex hand injuries caused by work accidents and traffic accidents are effectively treated. Patients not only regain their mobility but also improve their quality of life.

A typical case is a sailor whose upper limb was completely severed while working at sea. The patient was immediately transported by helicopter to Singapore General Hospital. Upon receiving the case, the medical team immediately developed a plan to treat the injury and stabilize the patient's health before performing limb transplant surgery.

“Within just six hours of the injury, the patient was successfully treated. This demonstrates the smooth and effective coordination between patient care stages, ensuring the best treatment outcomes,” said Associate Professor Rebecca Lim Qian Ru, a physician from the Department of Hand Surgery and Reconstructive Microsurgery, Singapore General Hospital (SGH).

Associate Professor Rebecca Lim Qian Ru, Physician, Department of Hand Surgery and Reconstructive Microsurgery, Singapore General Hospital (SGH)

In addition to this case, doctors have successfully performed many limb transplants, from the fingertips to the arm near the shoulder. The youngest patient to undergo successful surgery was 8 months old and the oldest was 65 years old. Limb transplants and reconstruction of severely damaged hands and upper limbs are being performed regularly at the department. At the same time, all surgeries are closely monitored and evaluated for results according to standard medical procedures.

This treatment result is achieved thanks to the hospital's team of leading experts, capable of conquering complex surgical and microsurgical techniques, along with the application of advanced technology to successfully establish a personalized treatment and care model.

The SGH Hand Surgery Team comprises 10 specialists who handle a large number of complex cases involving the hand, wrist and upper limb. The department regularly performs amputated limb reattachment surgeries, with outcomes closely monitored according to standard clinical protocols. Minimally invasive surgical techniques – such as endoscopic carpal tunnel decompression and wrist arthroscopy – are also used in cases deemed appropriate, to reduce tissue damage and help patients recover more quickly after surgery.

“One patient - One treatment plan - One team” is what makes this facility stand out. Thanks to an integrated electronic health record system, specialists from multiple fields such as orthopedics, microsurgery, physical therapy and rehabilitation can coordinate treatment, ensuring that each patient has a unique and consistent treatment plan from admission to recovery. This multidisciplinary approach is especially important for complex trauma cases, which require months of monitoring, physical therapy and psychological support.

According to Associate Professor Rebecca Lim Qian Ru, advanced technologies are integrated throughout the care process to enhance precision and personalization in treatment.

Using high-resolution imaging equipment, 3D diagnostic technology and surgical robots, the team of doctors can reconstruct microstructures such as blood vessels and nerves to the millimeter, helping patients recover better in both function and appearance.

Patients also benefit from custom-made 3D printed implants and biocompatible prosthetic devices that ensure each reconstruction is personalized to the patient’s anatomy and lifestyle. The result is greater patient comfort, lower rejection rates, and more natural mobility after recovery.

To aid recovery from microsurgery, the hospital is pioneering the use of environmentally controlled post-operative devices that optimize healing conditions at the surgical site. These devices allow real-time monitoring of tissue health and blood flow, allowing the medical team to intervene promptly if complications arise.

“The future of hand and microsurgery will be less invasive, more personalized techniques and the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI). More and more patients are interested in maintaining their mobility as they age, as life expectancy increases and retirement ages get later. This will lead to the rise of arthroscopic techniques, robotic-assisted surgery, 3D printing and personalized implants. Joint preservation research and methods such as cartilage regeneration, joint replacement and stem cell technology will also receive increasing attention,” said Associate Professor Rebecca Lim Qian Ru.

As one of the largest and most prestigious hospitals in Singapore, Singapore General Hospital (SGH) offers a full range of medical and surgical specialties. Its healthcare services adhere to national clinical standards, supported by state-of-the-art facilities and rigorous quality control processes – enabling SGH to meet the diverse needs of all patients.

For patients from Vietnam - especially those who are not fluent in English - Associate Professor Rebecca Lim Qian Ru said: "We have a team of staff who are fluent in many languages, ready to support patients throughout the treatment process - from answering questions, booking appointments, providing financial advice to assisting with travel and accommodation arrangements. In addition, we also provide remote consultation services to help patients reduce their stay in Singapore, and can receive professional advice and plan for examinations and tests before coming for treatment. In addition, SGH also cooperates with many major hospitals in Vietnam to support referrals and post-treatment health care, helping the recovery process to be smooth and continuous."

Source: https://baodautu.vn/giai-phap-tien-phong-giup-tai-tao-ban-tay-sau-chan-thuong-nghiem-trong-d321310.html