Triple limb transplant patient loses leg

The world-first operation has run into complications, with doctors forced to remove the transplanted leg a day after surgery.

DOCTORS WHO PERFORMED the world’s first triple limb transplant yesterday have been forced to remove the patient’s new leg due to tissue incompatibility, they said today.

Dr Omer Ozkan, who led the 25-member medical team, says 34-year-old Atilla Kavdir is in stable condition after the removal of the leg on Sunday, a day after it was attached.

Kavdir lost his arms and right leg when he was 11 after he hit power lines outside his home with an iron rod to scare away pigeons and received an electric shock.

Ozkan said another patient who received a full face transplant from the same donor is in stable condition. It was Turkey’s first face transplant.

More: Doctors perform world’s first triple limb transplant>

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Support us Learn More