Spanish doctors set to carry out first double leg transplant in the world

Dear Editor
Two decades ago, the idea of a hand, arm, leg, let alone a double
transplant, was inconceivable. Medical advances in this age of technology
have made it possible to give amputees a new take on life. I would like to
applaud Dr Cavadas and his team on yet another medical breakthrough in the
history of limb transplants, and changing another life for the good.

We often forget the blessing of having two legs which helps in making
life easy. We take for granted that we can stand, walk, climb, run, swim,
ride a bike, and so forth. There have been many ethical debates on the
topic of organ transplantation. While some applaud organ donors, others
condemn organ recipients for not being able to accept their life. Many
more have judged the doctor for taking a patient’s life in their hands. As
a nurse of deep Christian faith I believe that God has given special
talent and understanding to doctors and nurses to make a difference in the
lives of their patients.

Transplantations such as this will give this young man the hope to
get another chance to a satisfying future. Additionally, it also paves the
way for even greater interventions and opportunities in the field of
medicine. Public awareness on voluntary organ donation should be raised
and as nurses we are in a good position to encourage those who have not
yet considered organ donation to register with organ transplant agencies
wherever applicable.

Competing interests:
None declared