Q: My daughter was born with all her five fingers missing in her left hand. It is a congenital deformity. All five of her fingers are not there and there are only buds. Is there any way of recreating or attaching fingers through surgery? Is this facility available in India? Is reconstructive surgery possible?

A:This is a birth defect. Unfortunately, the fingers cannot be re-created. Since she has one functioning hand, she should be able to manage all her routine activities. Sometimes, if necessary, a thumb can be created from the side tissues, that may help her get a grip. But this is not the time to worry about the surgery. Let her be at least 3 years before she can be evaluated.