The Associated Press reports that the 15-hour surgery with 40 surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses and other helpers took place on July 25 and 26 when donor arms were grafted onto Merk's body. Nearly three months later, the daring operation is being hailed a success as Merk, 54, is recovering well and is able to perform some basic tasks, although it could take up to two years before he relearns how to use his hands. He can do simple things, such as open doors and turn lights on and off. Doctors say there are good indications of nerve growth in the arms.
"These are my arms, and I'm not giving them away again," Merk said at a news conference at the Munich University Clinic where the operation was done. He added that when he woke up from the surgery, he couldn't believe it had been a success. "It was really overwhelming when I saw that I had arms again," he said. Merk is still hospitalized undergoing an intensive program of physiotherapy, electric stimulation and psychological counseling, but should be able to go home in four to six weeks.
