© 2008-2010 Dr. Glynn Bolitho, M.D.
Because he was in a state of shock, 35 year-old Kelly Kurrell doesn't remember everything about that fateful January day in 2002 when his left hand was mangled in a 100-ton press used to bend and shape sheet metal. But he does remember placing his remaining good hand firmly on Dr. Glynn Bolitho's arm and saying that he was putting his complete faith in the South African-born plastic and reconstructive surgeon to do what he thought was best.
He somehow believed the unusual procedure Dr. Bolitho was about to perform would work, despite the fact that he had never met the man or knew anything about him or his work. There was just something indefinable about the way he instantly cared, demonstrated his concern, and relished the challenge facing him that struck a positive chord in Kurrell. And as it turns out, Dr. Bolitho never let him down.
Kurrell's hand was damages beyond repair but Dr. Bolitho saw an alternative that could save the hand and even give it some functionality.
The challenge Dr. Bolitho faced involved what to do with what was left of Kurrell's hand. It was severely crushed and all the digits were pulverized beyond repair, making reattachment impossible. Another surgeon suggested amputation, but Dr. Bolitho saw an alternative that could save the hand and even give it some functionality. It is a procedure that would never have been considered before the remarkable advancements that have taken place in vascular microsurgery and transplantation.
The procedure involved amputating Kurrell's big toe from his left foot and attaching it to his left hand where his thumb used to be. This delicate and lengthy operation is only performed at a handful of medical facilities nationwide and involves joining together tiny bones, tendons, nerves, blood vessels and skin using microsurgery. Microsurgery is an extremely precise and often intricate surgical procedure performed under magnification.
"Undoubtedly, it sounded a little bizarre to me, but my first impression was that I was willing to try it," Kurrell explained. "I just wanted to try and keep an open mind and put my trust in Dr. Bolitho's abilities."
Kurrell was in surgery for nine hours undergoing the initial transplant procedure, and then had 11 additional surgeries in a little less than a year. Four more outpatient procedures followed in the ensuing months, and then there was rehabilitation and recovery. Just last October, he began noticing sensation in the tip of his transplanted toe thumb, indicating that the nerves had regenerated and were beginning to function again. In 90 percent of these cases, patients' new "fingers" have working nerve endings much like the originals, allowing the sensation necessary to carry out everyday tasks and avoiding the pain that comes from severed nerves in amputated limbs or digits.
Kurrell has been on a physical and emotional roller coaster for the past year, but things are starting to level out thanks to Dr. Bolitho's role in the ordeal. His expertise and positive approach to healing have been instrumental in Kurrell's impressive recovery, and in teaching him about the true meaning of life. He won't ever have a fully functioning left hand, but having the toe-thumb provides some degree of dexterity and in Kurrell's words is far "better than nothing."
"Every little bit helps, and I'm encouraged that I'll have more function in the hand eventually. There are obvious limitations to what I can do now and what I'll be able to do in the future, but I realize things could be worse. Going through rehab taught me that there are many others who have to suffer through far greater pain and challenges."
The entire experience has also taught him to have faith and trust in others, to realize how important the little things in life really are, not to take anything, like a thumb for instance, for granted. It has showed him how to deal with unexpected circumstances and to make every minute count, because it all could be over in the blink of an eye.
And he wouldn't have learned any of these lessons had it not been for a gifted reconstructive surgeon named Glynn Bolitho.
© 2008-2010 Dr. Glynn Bolitho, M.D.
