A Delhi-based painter, who lost both his hands in a train accident in 2020, will now be able to take his brush again after receiving donor hands.

The 45-year old man has become the first in Delhi to undergo a successful bilateral hand transplant.

Doctors at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital transplanted the hands of donor Meena Mehta, former administrative head of a prominent South Delhi school who was declared brain-dead. Mehta’s kidney, liver and corneas have also been donated to three others.

In the 12-hour long complex surgery, the doctors connected every artery, muscle, tendon and nerve between the donor’s hands and the recipient’s arms. The man is expected to be discharged tomorrow.