Child Has World's First Pediatric Bilateral Hand Transplant in Philadelphia

Surgeons at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia have performed the world’s first pediatric bilateral hand transplant. The operation was carried out on an eight-year-old boy in an 11-hour procedure involving a 40-person medical team. Zion Harvey contracted sepsis as an infant, resulting in the amputation of his hands and feet. Speaking after the procedure, Zion said that waking up with his new hands was was “weird at first, but then good.”

“This extraordinary accomplishment highlights the world-class abilities of the physicians, nurses, therapists and other staff who are privileged to serve our patients and their families with skill and dedication,” said Madeline Bell, president and chief executive officer of The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. “I’m especially grateful to Zion’s family who entrusted him to our care.” Credit: YouTube/The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia