Man has missing thumb replaced by toe

A man has had an operation to replace his missing thumb with one of his toes.

Donald Gunn lost his right thumb when it got caught in rope at sea. Aberdeen Royal Infirmary surgeons were able to replace it with the second toe from his left foot.

The fisherman praised the surgeon team's work, saying: "The difference it has made to me already is unbelievable. I am delighted with the result and cannot thank the team enough."

Plastic surgeon Amir Tadros explained the decision, saying: "This is a very complex procedure but the difference it could make to Mr Gunn's life convinced me it was worth trying.

"By using the second toe from his left foot we ensured that the patient's balance wasn't affected and the cosmetic appearance was almost the same as a normal foot.

"The 12-hour operation was an endurance test for both the surgical team and Mr Gunn but the recovery we are seeing already has made it all worth it."

He added: "It's a rare operation, it's been around since the '60s, but is not very often done. Mr Gunn seemed to fit the criteria. It seems to be successful at the moment."

Gunn said that he was unable to work to the best of his capabilities without his thumb, and stood by his decision.

"It's hard to explain the impact losing my thumb had on my life. It might only be a small part of the body but it's only when you lose it that you realise how important it is.

"I was unable to work, my right hand became essentially useless, and I felt really, really low."

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