The doctor revealed the conditions of hand transplantation in Russia within the framework of compulsory medical insurance

Hand transplantation in Russia is carried out within the framework of the compulsory medical insurance system, but access to surgery is limited by strict medical criteria and long-term patient selection. This was reported to Izvestia on April 21 by Valeria Zaretskaya, a doctor.

"Hand transplantation is a complex reconstructive operation with lifelong immunosuppression. Therefore, the selection of patients is the strictest," she said.

According to the specialist, the main indication for surgery is the inability to restore the lost limb by other methods. Most often, we are talking about amputation of both arms or the dominant arm at a level not higher than the distal third of the forearm, as well as severe hand injuries.

The expert emphasized that there are a number of serious contraindications, including active infections, oncological diseases, severe chronic pathologies, and the patient's psychological unpreparedness for long-term treatment and rehabilitation.

She added that the preparation for the transplant takes months and includes a comprehensive examination: laboratory tests, instrumental diagnostics, immunological tests and consultations with specialized specialists. The decision to be included in the waiting list is made by a council of doctors. According to the expert, the waiting time for a donor can vary from several months to several years and depends on the degree of compatibility, availability of donors and logistical capabilities.

"When a donor appears, the computer system automatically analyzes the database and selects the most compatible recipient according to dozens of parameters. The decision on who exactly will undergo the transplant is made collectively, based on the principles of maximum medical effectiveness and fairness," the doctor concluded.

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On the same day, it was reported that hand transplants and kidney transplants became free procedures under the compulsory medical insurance program. It was noted that last year, almost 4,000 organ transplants were performed in Russia, of which 522 were heart transplants.

Sergey Gauthier, chief freelance transplant specialist at the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, explained to the agency that Russia is one of the few countries where organ transplantation is available to both adults and children. In addition, the procedure is fully covered by state funds.