World's first leg transplant to be given go ahead

The world's first leg transplant is to take place this summer. The breakthrough operation could offer hope to millions of amputees and injured war veterans. Health chiefs in Spain are expected to give surgeon Pedro Cavadas the go-ahead for the pioneering operation next month. The news comes just a day after it emerged surgeons in Barcelona had performed the world's first full-face transplant.

Cavadas, who has already carried out a partial face transplant and three arm transplants, plans to perform a double leg transplant using limbs from a dead donor. The unnamed recipient, who would otherwise face life in a wheelchair, had both legs amputated above the knee after an accident. Spain's National Transplant Organization (ONT), which has studied the request, has already indicated its support.

The country's regional health chiefs will decide whether to approve the operation at a meeting at the end of May. Medics will then alert hospitals nationwide to try to identify a donor. The operation is expected to take place in the summer at La Fe Hospital in Valencia. It will give hope to soldiers who have had legs amputated after falling victim to roadside bombs in places like Afghanistan.

Rafael Matesanz, President of the ONT, said: 'My impression on Dr Cavadas' dossier is favourable and that the operation will be approved as the world's first leg transplant.' Mr Matesanz claimed leg transplants were less complicated than face transplants but had a 'limited clinical justification'. 'In our view a person who has lost a leg is much better off with an artificial limb than a transplant which involves a complicated operation, a long period of rehabilitation and lifelong medication to prevent rejection of the new limb,' he said.