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Complete ear replantation without venous anastomosis
R K Nath1, B A Kraemer, A Azizzadeh
1Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Medical Center, Houston 77030, USA.
Microsurgery
|October 21, 1998
Summary
Complete ear replantation after traumatic amputation can be achieved using mechanical wick venous drainage when leeches are unavailable. This method successfully restored the ear
Area of Science:
- Reconstructive surgery
- Microsurgery
- Trauma surgery
Background:
- Complete traumatic auricle amputation is rare.
- Microvascular reconstruction is the ideal management for ear replantation.
- Venous drainage is critical for replant survival, often requiring leech therapy.
Observation:
- A case of complete ear replantation following traumatic amputation is presented.
- Mechanical wick venous drainage and anticoagulation were employed due to unavailability of leeches.
- The procedure aimed to restore auricular arterial, venous, and nerve continuity.
Findings:
- Mechanical wick venous drainage resulted in satisfactory venous outflow.
- The ear replant achieved a virtually normal appearance and function.
- The ear regained normal touch and two-point sensibility despite unrepaired great auricular nerve.
Implications:
- Mechanical wick drainage offers a viable alternative for venous drainage in ear replantation when leeches are not feasible.
- This technique can lead to excellent functional and aesthetic outcomes in complete ear replantation.
- Nerve regeneration may occur even without direct nerve repair in certain cases.