Shreya Siddanagowda experienced a drastic change in her life when, in 2016 at the age of 18, she had a bus accident that crushed both of her arms. Fortunately, a donor became available, but it was a man with a darker skin tone, a significant amount of body hair, and obviously, a much larger physique than hers. Over time, the remarkable adaptation of the arms to the girl continues to astonish science.

THE ASTOUNDING CASE OF SHREYA SIDDANAGOWDA

After her accident, Shreya’s arms had to be amputated below the elbow. In 2017, she underwent a 13-hour transplant surgery performed by a team of 20 surgeons and 16 anesthesiologists, as reported by The Indian Express.

The transplanted hands came from a 21-year-old man who died in a bicycle accident. For a year and a half, the young woman had to attend physical therapy to learn to control her new limbs. Over time, they became thinner compared to their state at the time of the surgery.

However, a later development amazed doctors, as the donor had a darker complexion that lightened, now more closely matching Shreya Siddanagowda’s skin tone.

A UNIQUE CASE

This case is unique worldwide, being the first double hand transplant in Asia and the first intergender limb transplant on the continent.

Shreya Siddanagowda is a woman, and her transplanted hands originally belonged to a man. Nevertheless, over time, the hands have adapted to her new body, lightening in color and acquiring feminine features.

This phenomenon has astonished doctors, who have not been able to fully explain it. One possible explanation is that Shreya’s body produces less melanin than her donor. Melanin is the pigment that gives color to the skin, and its levels can vary depending on gender and ethnic origin.

Another possible explanation is that the muscles in the hands have adapted to their new host. Muscles are controlled by nerves, and when an organ is transplanted, nerves must reconnect to the muscles. This process, called reinnervation, can take several months or even years.

A PROMISING ADVANCE

Shreya Siddanagowda’s case is a hopeful advance for transplant science. It demonstrates that it’s possible for transplanted limbs to adapt to their new body, even if they come from a person of a different gender or ethnic origin.

This advance could open the door to new possibilities for patients in need of limb transplants. In the future, doctors might be able to transplant limbs to individuals of any gender or ethnic background without worrying about color or shape changes.

Shreya Siddanagowda is now a university student aspiring to become a doctor. She has almost fully regained her handwriting and feels no discomfort using her new limbs. The tragedy has been overcome, and her experience could provide answers to hundreds of similar cases.