In a landmark medical achievement, doctors in Cumilla have successfully performed the district’s first finger transplantation surgery. This breakthrough marks a significant advancement for specialised healthcare services outside major urban centres in Bangladesh.
Ashraful Alam, a Bangladeshi expatriate and professional driver, lost his left thumb in a road accident while working in Saudi Arabia. In a complex surgical procedure, surgeons restored the functionality of his hand through a toe-to-thumb transfer, providing him with renewed hope and improved quality of life. This success also offers encouragement to thousands of others facing similar traumatic injuries.
Patient Background and Journey
| Patient Name | Injury Description | Initial Treatments Explored | Final Treatment Location |
| Ashraful Alam | Left thumb lost in road accident (2024) | Some hospitals advised amputation; costly overseas treatments suggested | Peoples Hospital, Cumilla |
Ashraful’s injury in 2024 severely impacted his daily activities. After visiting multiple hospitals both in Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh, where options ranged from amputation to expensive procedures abroad, he finally sought treatment at Peoples Hospital in Cumilla, where hope was restored.
The Surgery
On Friday, 1 August, a three-member surgical team led by Dr Kamrul Islam Mamun conducted a seven-hour operation. The procedure involved transplanting the second toe from Ashraful’s left foot to replace his missing thumb.
Post-operative reports confirmed that the nerves were functioning properly and blood circulation in the transplanted digit was normal.
Dr Kamrul remarked,
“This is the first replantation of its kind in Cumilla. While there have been cases of reattaching severed limbs, transplanting an organ from one part of the body to another is unprecedented here. It marks a new dawn in our healthcare capabilities.”
He further added,
“The procedure was highly complex and time-consuming. We had initially informed the patient of a 50 per cent success rate. By the grace of Almighty Allah, we succeeded. The transplanted thumb is gradually adapting to the body and is expected to become fully functional within a few weeks.”
Expert Opinions
Dr Kawsar Hamid, Associate Professor of Orthopaedics at Cumilla Central Medical College Hospital, said,
“Such a surgery is unprecedented for a district-level hospital. It is not just a milestone for Cumilla but a breakthrough for Bangladesh’s healthcare system.”
Cumilla Civil Surgeon Dr Ali Nur Mohammad Bashir Ahmad commented,
“This complex surgery sets a new benchmark for district-level healthcare. It will allow ordinary citizens to access advanced medical services at lower costs within the country, reducing dependency on foreign treatment and significantly cutting expenses.”
Patient’s Reflections
Following the successful transplant, Ashraful Alam shared his experience:
“I visited many hospitals in Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh. Everyone said it would cost crores abroad. I never imagined I’d get my thumb back in Cumilla. Driving was my profession to live, and I had lost that. Now, it feels like I’ve got my thumb and my life back.”
This pioneering surgery not only restores individual ability but also demonstrates the growing capacity of district-level hospitals in Bangladesh to deliver complex and advanced medical care. The successful toe-to-thumb transplantation is a beacon of hope for many patients who face similar challenges.
