'Tree man of Bangladesh' undergoes successful surgery to remove large growths on his hand

Abdul Bajander has a rare genetic condition which causes very large growths on his hand and feet with a similar appearance to bark

Abul Bajandar has been suffering from the condition for more than six years (Suvra Kanti Das/ZUMA Wire/REX Shutterstock)

A Bangladeshi father who was dubbed ‘Tree man’ due to large bark-like warts growing on his hands and feet underwent successful surgery on Saturday in order to remove the growths.

Abdul Bajander was in surgery for three-and-a-half hours at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, and it took a team of nine doctors to remove the growths, facility director Samanta Lal Sen told AFP.

The 26-year-old has epidermodysplasia verruciformis, a genetic condition which causes the growths on his skin.

Reports say that his condition has given celebrity status in his hometown of Khulna, and hundreds of people came to visit him in hospital.

Mr Bajander was given the all clear for surgery when it was confirmed that the warts on his body were not cancerous, and the Bangladeshi government agreed to pay for the treatment.

The surgery was successful, and growths have been removed from all 5 fingers of his right hand.

Mr Bajander’s wife said he looked “relaxed and happy” following the operation.