Composite Tissue Allotransplantation
Overview
Composite Tissue Allotransplantation (CTA) is an advanced form of transplantation that involves replacing complex body parts made of skin, muscle, bone, nerves, and blood vessels.
This includes transplantation of hands, face, abdominal wall, and in rare cases, tissues such as uterus, penis, and trachea.
Among these, hand transplantation has emerged as one of the most transformative procedures in reconstructive surgery. Amrita Hospital, Kochi, is home to one of the world's leading CTA programs and has played a pioneering role in shaping this field in India. In 2015, the hospital performed the country's first successful hand transplant, marking a historic milestone in Indian medicine.
Since then, the program has achieved several national and global breakthroughs, restoring function, independence, and dignity to patients with limb loss.
With a highly specialized multidisciplinary team, advanced microsurgical expertise, dedicated rehabilitation programs, and a strong research ecosystem, the department continues to push the boundaries of reconstructive transplantation and redefine what is possible in modern surgery.
Doctors
Achievements
- India's first successful hand transplant performed at Amrita Hospital, Kochi (2015)
- India's first forearm transplant (2016)
- Asia's first double upper-arm hand transplant (2017)
- World's first documented male-to-female hand transplant (2017)
- Kochi Centre has completed 17 transplants involving 31 hands
- Combined Amrita program has completed 23 patients and 40 hands
- One of the highest-volume hand transplant programs in the world
- Major contributor to research, surgical innovation, and transplant rehabilitation
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Highlights
- Total hand transplants done - 17
- First hand transplant in South-east Asia
- First male to female hand transplant in the world
- First hand transplant in South-East Asia Global leader in upper-extremity transplantation
- Multidisciplinary team involving surgeons, anesthesiologists, nephrologists, immunologists, physiotherapists, psychiatrists, and nursing experts
- Each bilateral transplant involves highly complex surgery lasting 14 -17 hours with more than 60 specialists
- Dedicated long-term rehabilitation for sensory and motor recovery
- International research collaborations including association with the Pittsburgh Hand Transplant group
- Future plans include abdominal wall, face, and tracheal transplantation
- Restoring independence, confidence, and quality of life for patients with limb loss