First hand transplant in DOD performed at Wilford Hall

A surgical team composed of military and civilian doctors perform the first-ever female hand transplant Feb. 17, 2010, at Wilford Hall Medical Center, Texas. Retired Master Sgt. Janet McWilliams is the 10th person to undergo this procedure and the first to have it done in a Defense Department facility. (Courtesy photo)

Doctors perform military first hand transplant

Published March 2, 2010

LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) -- A group of military and civilian doctors performed a historic surgical procedure at Wilford Hall Medical Center here Feb. 17. They transplanted a human hand from one woman to another.

The patient is the first female and only the 10th person in the United States to undergo this surgery. This also is the first hand transplant in the state of Texas and the first time this procedure has been performed in a Department of Defense medical facility.

Additionally information will be forthcoming following a press conference scheduled for March 3. Doctors from the surgical team, representatives from the Texas Organ Sharing Alliance, and the patient will all give statements and answer questions. Surgical images will be provided.

First hand transplant in DOD performed at Wilford Hall

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