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"I hid my hand for years": How a rare toe-to-finger surgery restored function and confidence in 18-year-old student
ANI News | May 7, 2026 6:39 PM CST

New Delhi [India], May 7 (ANI): Doctors at Manipal Hospitals in Dwarka, New Delhi, have successfully performed a complex toe-to-finger transfer surgery on an 18-year-old college student, restoring function and confidence after years of living with a severely deformed finger.
According to the hospital, the patient is a tourism student who had been suffering from a longstanding deformity of her left middle finger.
"Over the years, the deformity progressed, leading to a contracted soft tissue structure with restricted movement, affecting her ability to perform even basic daily activities," the hospital explained.
Due to the progressive nature of the condition and its impact on her daily life, she was advised to undergo a second toe-to-middle finger transfer by Dr. Rahul Kapoor at Manipal Hospitals Dwarka, New Delhi.
"After detailed evaluation and counselling, she underwent a highly specialised microsurgical procedure performed in only a few centres. The surgery involved harvesting the second toe and meticulously transplanting it to the hand, with precise microvascular anastomosis, tendon reconstruction, and soft tissue alignment to restore both function and appearance," the hospital further explained.
Dr. Rahul Kapoor, Head of Department and Consultant - Onco Reconstructive Surgery & Plastic Surgery, Manipal Hospitals Dwarka, New Delhi, said, "While such advanced reconstructive surgeries are life-changing, they remain underutilised due to lack of awareness and misconceptions. In this case, beyond the physical challenges, it gave a lasting mental toll as the patient avoided social situations and felt conscious about her appearance. Post-surgery, she showed remarkable recovery and regained 80-95% functionality in her hand, including improved grip and movement. The reconstructed finger appeared natural, significantly enhancing both usability and appearance." (ANI)


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