ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The recent advances in microsurgical techniques and their refinement over the past decade have greatly expanded the indications for digital replantations and have enabled us to salvage severed fingers more often. Many studies have reported greater than 80% viability rates in replantation surgery with functional results. However, replantation of multi-level amputations still remain a challenging problem and the decision of whether or not to replant an amputated part is difficult even for an experienced reconstructive surgeon because the ultimate functional result is unpredictable. METHODS: Between January of 2002 and May of 2008, we treated 10 multi-level amputated digits of 7 patients. After brachial plexus block, meticulous replantation procedure was performed under microscopic magnification. Postoperatively, hand elevation, heat lamp, drug therapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy were applied with careful observation of digital circulation. Early rehabilitation protocol was performed for functional improvement. RESULTS: Among the 19 amputated segments of 10 digits, 16 segments survived completely without any complications. Overall survival rate was 84%. Complete necrosis of one finger tip segment and partial necrosis of two distal amputated segments developed and subsequent surgical interventions such as groin flap, local advancement flap and skin graft were performed. The overall result was functionally and aesthetically satisfactory. CONCLUSION: We experienced successful replantations of multi-level amputated digits. When we encounter a multi-level amputation, the key question is whether or not it is a contraindication to replantation. Despite the demand for skillful microsurgical technique and longer operative time, the authors' results prove it is worth attempting replantations in multi-level amputation because of the superiority in aesthetic and functional results.