Replantation of severed auricle distal to helix with microsurgical technique: Report of 5 cases / 中华显微外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To summarise the clinical experience in replantation of the severed auricle distal to helix with microsurgical technique.Methods:From December 2018 to October 2021, a total of 5 patients with severed auricle injury were treated in the Department of Hand and Foot Surgery of The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University. They were 4 males and 1 female with 23-62 years old. After complete debridement of the auricular pinna, the retrograde replantation method was used. For arteries a dorsal vein of the foot was used to bridge the posterior auricular artery. For veins 2 patients had the veins directly anastomosed, 2 had the arteriovenous bridging to the posterior ear vein with dorsal foot veins, and the veins in 1 case were not anastomosed. Among the patients, 2 developed venous occlusions after severed auricle, and were treated with bloodletting through small incision at the skin margin. Two patients who received the arteriovenous of the severed auriclse achieved good blood supply. All the patients underwent treatments including anti-freezing, anti-spasm and anti-infection after the emergency surgery. The follow-ups were conducted regularly by telephone and by display photos via WeChat after surgery.Results:All 5 severed auricles were successfully replanted and survived. Postoperative follow-up ranged from 3 months to 2 years, with an average of 10 months. In the 2 cases with venous crisis, the auricles had mild atrophy. All auricles had no obvious pigmentation, and had the sensation recovery back to normal in 1 year after surgery.Conclusion:The pre-judgment of blood vessel quality and high-quality microsurgery skills are the necessary pre-conditions for auricle replantation. For replantation of severed auricle, it is the key to prevent vascular crisis by having the injured blood vessels thoroughly removed.