Mumbai, November 13, 2025: Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital has announced the appointment of Dr. Nilesh G. Satbhai as Director – Plastic, Reconstructive Microsurgery & Hand Transplantation. Dr. Satbhai is widely regarded as one of India’s foremost hand transplant surgeons and is credited with performing Mumbai’s first successful bilateral hand transplant in 2020.
With more than two decades of surgical expertise, Dr. Satbhai has carried out several pioneering procedures in hand transplantation and microsurgery. He has completed over 24 hand transplants in 13 patients, achieving numerous national, continental and global milestones, including India’s first successful bilateral hand transplant in a quadruple amputee patient, Asia’s first hand transplant for congenital hand absence (symbrachydactyly), and Asia’s first successful bilateral total arm transplant at the shoulder level.
Talking about the appointment, Dr Vivek Talaulikar, Director & Chief Operating Officer, Western Region, Max Healthcare, said, “We are delighted to welcome Dr. Nilesh G. Satbhai to our leadership team. His groundbreaking work in hand transplantation and reconstructive microsurgery has set new benchmarks in India and abroad. With his expertise, Nanavati Max will strengthen its capabilities in complex surgical interventions, offering renewed hope to patients with critical reconstructive needs.”
Dr. Satbhai brings extensive academic and clinical credentials, with international fellowships at Mayo Clinic, USA; Penn Medicine, Philadelphia; Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan; and Ogori Daiichi General Hospital, Japan. He also serves as Honorary Consultant at BJ Wadia Hospital for Children, Mumbai, and has previously led microsurgery departments across premier hospitals in the city.
Commenting on his new role, Dr. Satbhai said, “Nanavati Max has consistently advanced innovative approaches to patient treatment, and I am honoured to contribute to its mission. Hand transplantation and microsurgery are life-transforming specialties that restore not only physical function but also independence, dignity, and confidence. I look forward to working with the skilled team at Nanavati Max to push the boundaries of what is possible in complex surgical care.”
Dr Satbhai’s key areas of expertise include hand transplantation, reconstructive microsurgery, functional upper limb restoration, brachial plexus and peripheral nerve surgery, paediatric plastic surgery, and lymphatic microsurgery.
Nanavati Max remains committed to bringing together globally acclaimed expertise and cutting-edge medical care for the benefit of patients across India and beyond.