ABSTRACT
Successful single-vessel arteriovenous replantation of a completely amputated human ear is described. This result was followed by an experimental study using a rabbit model, to confirm that an amputated ear could survive replantation with only a single arteriovenous anastomosis. Fifteen animals were placed in one of two experimental groups: Group 1-arteriovenous replantation, no treatment (n = 6); and Group 2-arteriovenous replantation with medicinal leeching (n = 9). All ears demonstrated initial reperfusion of the replantation immediately following microanastomosis. Laser Doppler flow readings in the non-leeched replanted ears fell to zero by 8 hr and, by 12 hr, the non-leeched ears demonstrated signs of necrosis. All the leeched, replanted ears demonstrated perfusion and complete viability at the time of sacrifice. The case report, combined with the results from the experimental study, confirm that single-vessel arteriovenous replantation of an amputated ear is feasible.
Subject(s)
Amputation, Traumatic/surgery , Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation , Ear/blood supply , Ear/surgery , Replantation/methods , Adult , Animals , Arteriovenous Shunt, Surgical , Disease Models, Animal , Ear/injuries , Esthetics , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Male , Rabbits , Regional Blood Flow , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
A wide variety of tumors can afflict the hand. Nonmelanoma skin tumors are common and usually benign. The most common malignant tumor of the hand is a SCC. Whether benign or malignant, these need neoplasms and are often initially symptomatic, presenting as an area of discoloration or excoriation. The tumor mass may become disfiguring or impair function. It behooves all hand surgeons to be aware of these nonmelanoma skin tumors and to secure prompt recognition and early treatment, thereby optimizing long-term results.
