[Problems in replantation surgery]

The development of replantation centres presents problems with respect to availability of operating rooms and staff. Attention must be paid to improving facilities at such centres but care is required in selecting cases suitable for replantation. This involves consideration of distance between the patient and the centre, the level of amputation and the condition of the patient and the amputated part. Furthermore, age, occupation, pre-existing disease and concomitant injury must be taken into account. This not only will make inappropriate replantation of a single digit because of resultant impairment of the entire hand seldom but the problems of staffing and accommodation will also be minimized by correct decision.