Articles | Double arm transplant joy

Double arm transplant joy

Published: Thursday, 9 October 2008, 4:23PM

Doctors in Germany have performed the world's first ever double arm transplant.

Karl Merk lost his original arms in an accident with a combine harvester six years ago.

But after a 40-strong medical team spent 16 hours grafting the new limbs onto him he says he finally feels whole again.

It could take up to two years before the 54-year-old gains the use of his new hands but so far he can perform simple tasks such as opening doors and turning lights on and off.

Dr Christoph Hoehnke, head of the transplant team at the Isar Clinic said: "This is exciting. And now we must wait to see if the transplants will be accepted. We don't know how this will develop in the long term."

Mr Merk said he was looking forward to going home, which doctors said could be in four to six weeks.