Microsurgical replantation of a totally amputated ear without venous repair

The authors present a case of successful replantation of a totally avulsed ear in a 37-year-old patient, using a termino-terminal arterial anastomosis on the superficial temporal artery. As no suitable vein could be identified in the amputated part, they relied on leech therapy and systemic anticoagulation for venous drainage. Despite an 18-hr ischemia, the ear survived completely.