Psychological consequences derived during process of human hand allograft

Area of Science:

• Transplantation Surgery
• Psychology
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Hand allografts present unique psychological challenges for recipients.
• Pre-operative psychological assessment and post-operative support are vital for successful outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the psychological experiences of patients undergoing hand allograft transplantation.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of psychological interventions during the peri-transplant period.

Main Methods:

• Patient interviews were conducted to assess psychological states and stress management abilities.
• Psychological training was provided pre-operatively, with ongoing management post-surgery.

Main Results:

• One candidate was disqualified due to psychiatric issues during selection.
• Patients experienced anxiety and fear initially but achieved full acceptance of the grafted hand within one month.
• Full integration and self-perception of the hand as their own occurred 4-5 months post-operation with sensory recovery.

Conclusions:

• Psychological factors significantly impact hand allograft success, from patient selection to rehabilitation.
• The integration of psychologists into hand transplantation teams is essential for managing patient psychological well-being.