The DOI matches its Crossref record.
Microsurgical Reattachment of Totally Amputated Ears
Abstract
At a time when microsurgical reattachment of amputated limbs is commonplace, successful reattachment of total ear amputations is rare. Avulsed vessels, small diameters (0.3 to 0.7 mm), and technical difficulties provide primary obstacles. Three clinical cases of ear reattachments are presented which encompass the clinical spectrum of an uncomplicated success, a salvage of an impending failure, and a late failure due to venous thrombosis. In all cases there was difficulty with identification of vessels, with differentiation of arteries from veins, and in the performance of venous anastomoses. Vein grafts were necessary in two of the three patients. Anticoagulation was essential in alleviating venous thrombosis. Medicinal leeches (Hirudo medicinalis) were used to salvage one case with venous thrombosis. Despite the technical difficulties and long operative times, successful microvascular reattachment of an amputated ear is superior to any other means of reattachment or reconstruction.
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In the citing paper
“Venous congestion is the major complication associated with microvascular repair of the auricle”
From Auricular avulsion injuries and reattachment techniques: A systematic review (2020) · cites this paper as [58]
In the citing paper
“several authors have reported cases where venous congestion led to late failure of reattachment and complete loss of the replanted segment.58, 59, 60, 61, 62”
From Auricular avulsion injuries and reattachment techniques: A systematic review (2020) · cites this paper as [58]
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Sorted by citations
Graf, J. (1999) · Infection and Immunity · doi:10.1128/iai.67.1.1-7.1999 · Cited by 139
“In modern medicine, Hirudo medicinalis, the medicinal leech, is applied postoperatively to relieve venous congestion and enhances the success rate in problematic plastic surgery cases (5, 12, 14, 30).”
BackgroundWhitaker, I. S., Oboumarzouk, O., Rozen, W. M., et al. (2012) · Microsurgery · doi:10.1002/micr.20971 · Cited by 124
The role of the leech in medical therapeutics
Eldor, A., Orevi, M., & Rigbi, M. (1996) · Blood Reviews · doi:10.1016/s0268-960x(96)90000-4 · Cited by 115
A Comparison of Ear Reattachment Methods: A Review of 25 Years since Pennington
Steffen, A., Katzbach, R., & Klaiber, S. (2006) · Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery · doi:10.1097/01.prs.0000239539.98956.b0 · Cited by 91
Recommendations for the Use of Leeches in Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
Mumcuoğlu, K. Y. (2014) · Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine · doi:10.1155/2014/205929 · Cited by 89
Metadata
- Authors
- Mutimer, K. L., Banis, J. C., Upton, J., & Upton, J.
- Affiliations
- Boston Children's Hospital (US)
- Venue
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
- Published
- 1987-04
- Volume
- 79
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 535-540
- ISSN
- 0032-1052 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2334159638
- Cited by
- 118
- References
- 0
- Citations by year
- 2026: 1 · 2025: 1 · 2024: 2 · 2023: 2 · 2022: 3 · 2021: 2 · 2020: 3 · 2018: 3 · 2017: 1 · 2016: 1 · 2015: 2 · 2014: 3 · 2013: 4 · 2012: 4
- FWCI
- 5.95
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Surgery › Reconstructive Facial Surgery Techniques
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Surgery › Reconstructive Surgery and Microvascular Techniques
- Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Animal Science and Zoology › Leech Biology and Applications
- Keywords
- venous thrombosis, venous anastomosis, vein grafts, anticoagulation, Hirudo medicinalis
- MeSH terms
- Adolescent, Amputation, Traumatic, Child, Preschool, Ear, External, Female, Humans, Leeches, Male, Microsurgery, Postoperative Complications, Thrombophlebitis, Vascular Surgical Procedures
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