Secondary ectopic transfer for replantation salvage after severe wound infection

Ectopic transfer has been described as a salvage procedure in failing replants. The experience in three cases of infected failing replantations treated with secondary temporary ectopic transfer of the replanted part is presented.

Three patients with replanted traumatic amputations (one transhumeral, one transmetacarpal, and one transtibial) that developed severe wound infections and thrombosis of the anastomoses were treated with urgent ectopic transfer of the replanted part. The ectopic recipient vessels were the femoral, posterior tibial, and the descending branch of the lateral femoral circumflex arteries. The stumps were surgically cleansed and the ectopically replanted parts were retransferred some days later.

The infection reccurred in one case and the replant (transmetacarpal) was lost. The two other cases were successfully retransferred orthotopically, 9 and 20 days later, respectively. In one case (transtibial) multiple additional surgical procedures were necessary. Functional results in these two cases were acceptable.

Delayed ectopic transfer is a useful, yet demanding technique for the salvage of complicated replants in the context of severe wound infection and vascular thrombosis or impending failure. Given the complexity of the procedure it should only be considered in selected cases.