Pontefract teenager's 'op' a first in UK
Published Date:
30 August 2008
By Stuart Robinson
A TEENAGER from Pontefract has become the first patient in Britain to successfully undergo pioneering surgery to rebuild his shoulder using his elbow.
Cancer patient Tom Lemm, 15, was given the seven-hour procedure at Leeds General Infirmary.
The teenager had his left arm amputated because of a tumour at the top of it.
Medics created a new shoulder out of tissue and muscle from his lost elbow, which was unaffected by the tumour.
Plate
At the same time the surgical team, led by Professor Simon Kay, inserted a metal support plate in Tom's collar bone which means he will be able to wear a false arm.
A spokesman for Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said: "We are delighted Tom is making a good recovery and that he is pleased with the outcome of the specialised surgery undertaken by the team here at Leeds General Infirmary.
"We wish him well and look forward to seeing how he is progressing on his next visit."
The teenager, who has battled cancer for three years, said: "I was very upset at losing my arm, but then the professor told me what he planned to do.
"I hope the fact it has worked for me gives others hope."
The full article contains 211 words and appears in n/a newspaper.
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Last Updated:
30 August 2008 8:13 AM
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Source:
n/a
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Location:
Leeds
