Surgeons are celebrating performing the first hand transplant in the UK.
In the operation in Leeds, Mark Cahill, aged 51, received a new right hand, replacing a limb that was not functioning.
The first hand transplants took place in France 13 years ago.
The Leeds doctors say they have broken new ground by removing the patient’s diseased hand at the same time as fitting the new one.
This allowed "very accurate" restoration of nerve structures.
Plastic surgeon Professor Simon Kay, who led the work, said it had taken two years of planning.
The team was ready by the end of November and a donor limb was found within four weeks, just after Christmas.
Professor Kay said: "It was extremely challenging to be the first team in the UK to carry out such a procedure. Any organ donation brings something positive from tragedy and I would like to acknowledge the tremendous gift the family of the donor have made at such a distressing time.
"It is still early days but indications are good and the patient is making good progress."
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