When a patient arrives at the emergency department with life-threatening limb injuries, every second counts. At Livasa Hospital, our multidisciplinary team is trained to respond with speed, accuracy, and compassion—qualities that make a profound difference in complex trauma cases. Recently, our Orthopaedic and Plastic Reconstruction teams achieved one of the most challenging surgical feats: saving both forearms of a patient who arrived with near-total bilateral amputation.

This case stands as a powerful testament to the hospital’s commitment to unparalleled clinical excellence, advanced microsurgical capabilities, and relentless teamwork.

The Emergency: A Race Against Time

The patient was brought to Livasa Hospital with near-total amputation of both forearms, bleeding profusely and in critical condition. In such injuries, time becomes the most decisive factor. With every passing minute, the risk of tissue death, infection, ischemia, and nerve damage multiplies.

Our emergency response team immediately stabilized the patient and shifted him to the operating theatre. What awaited the surgeons was a sight that would overwhelm even the most seasoned professionals.

• The right forearm was almost completely amputated, with only bony connections partially intact.

• Arteries, nerves, flexor muscles, and extensor muscles were severed.

• The left forearm had slightly lesser damage but still required major reconstructive work.

This was not just a surgical case—it was a battle to restore life and functionality.

The Surgical Strategy: Expertise in Action

Under the leadership of our reconstructive and orthopaedic surgery team, the approach was clear:
act fast, prioritize blood supply, preserve nerves, and restore structural integrity.

Step 1: Repairing the Left Forearm

The left arm had relatively less damage, so the team decided to repair it first to stabilize one limb quickly. Over the next three hours, surgeons meticulously repaired:

• Severed arteries to restore blood flow

• Damaged muscles

• Cut nerves, essential for long-term function

• Soft tissue layers

Restoring circulation early ensured the limb would remain viable and significantly improved the prognosis.

Step 2: Reconstructing the Severely Damaged Right Forearm

The right arm posed far greater challenges. Both major arteries, nerves, and the entire muscle compartments were cut. Performing repairs in the shortest possible time was crucial: once swelling sets in, closing the wound becomes difficult and can compromise healing.

A dedicated team worked for four continuous hours, performing:

• Microsurgical arterial anastomosis

• Nerve repairs under magnification

• Muscle reattachment to restore flexion and extension

• Soft tissue reconstruction

• Wound closure despite massive swelling risk

Performing such intricate work on both forearms in the same setting is rare and requires high-level surgical expertise and coordination—skills that Livasa Hospital has cultivated through years of trauma care experience.

The Challenges: Why This Surgery Was Extraordinary

This case pushed every technical and clinical boundary:

1. Dual-limb Reconstruction

Repairing two critically injured limbs simultaneously is exceptionally complex. It demands precise sequencing and coordination among multiple surgical teams.

2. Microsurgical Precision Under Pressure

Arteries and nerves in the forearm are extremely delicate. Any error in alignment, tension, or suturing can lead to loss of blood flow, nerve dysfunction, or limb non-viability.

3. Managing Swelling

Time was the biggest enemy. Swelling after trauma can prevent proper closure and can compromise vascular repairs. The team had to work swiftly without sacrificing precision.

4. Risk of Permanent Disability

Even after successful surgery, nerve damage may take months or years to regenerate. Ensuring optimal alignment during repair dramatically influences future recovery—something our experts executed flawlessly.

Post-Surgery Care: The Road to Recovery

After the successful reconstruction of both forearms, the patient was shifted to the recovery unit. The next phase of healing is just as crucial as the surgery:

✔ Physiotherapy

Early and consistent physiotherapy helps restore:

• Range of motion

• Grip strength

• Flexion and extension abilities

✔ Nerve Regeneration Monitoring

Nerves regenerate at approximately 1 mm/day. Continuous evaluation is essential to track sensory and motor recovery.

✔ Long-Term Rehabilitation

With guidance from Livasa Hospital’s rehab specialists, the patient will undergo structured therapy to regain maximum functional capacity.

Why This Case Reflects Livasa Hospital’s Excellence

This extraordinary success was made possible by Livasa Hospital’s unwavering commitment to:

Expertise

Our surgical teams are trained in advanced trauma reconstruction, microsurgery, and limb salvage.

Experience

Years of handling high-complexity trauma cases equip us with the confidence and precision needed for time-sensitive operations.

Authoritativeness

Livasa Hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art operation theatres, microinstruments, imaging support, and emergency infrastructure—making us a trusted center for emergency limb-saving procedures.

Trustworthiness

From emergency admission to rehabilitation, every department worked seamlessly to offer the patient not just treatment—but hope, dignity, and a second chance at normal life.

A Case That Defines Who We Are

Saving both forearms of a patient with near-total amputation is more than a surgical achievement—it is a reminder of what modern medicine, human skill, and dedicated teamwork can accomplish. At Livasa Hospital, we are proud to stand at the forefront of trauma care, ensuring every patient receives the highest standard of treatment, compassion, and commitment.