JODHPUR/JAIPUR: Doctors at AIIMS Jodhpur recently reattached a 28-year-old man’s both hands severed in a sword attack in Barmer. The intricate procedure of over 10 hours represents a remarkable medical achievement, a milestone in trauma and reconstructive surgery. The victim, whose identity has been withheld for privacy reasons, was assaulted on Sept 17 in a clash allegedly involving a BSF soldier and his associates. The attack, which occurred under the Sadar police station area of Barmer, had left a liquor trader dead and left the 28-year-old critically injured. The 28-year-old was initially taken to Barmer District Hospital, where doctors transfused two units of blood to stabilise him. Rushed to AIIMS Jodhpur’s trauma center on Sept 18, the patient was wheeled in with his right hand completely amputated—attached only by a thin layer of skin—and the left hand severely damaged with fractures and nerve injuries. The medical team, comprising experts from trauma surgery, plastic surgery and orthopaedics, immediately stabilised him before embarking on marathon surgery. Dr Prakash Chandra Kala, head of the department of plastic surgery, described the procedure as “technically challenging”, emphasising the precision required to reconnect fine blood vessels using a microscope. “The patient’s hands were reconstructed with microsurgical techniques and outcome has been very encouraging. The successful reattachment of both hands was a testament to the team’s expertise and dedication,” Dr Kala said. Since the surgery, the patient has shown promising signs of recovery. The assault, which stemmed from a dispute over payment at a liquor shop, had shocked local community. The alleged perpetrator, BSF soldier and former NSG commando Champalal, has been arrested.