Amerikanische Gesellschaft für Hirudotherapie

Microsurgical replantation of a partial helix of the ear

Case report published in Microsurgery (2009)

Zuletzt aktualisiert: June 18, 2026Geprüft von: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Case reportKlinische StudienKim KS et al. · Microsurgery, 2009

Abstract

Microsurgical ear replantation is a significant challenge because vessel sizes are diminutive. Furthermore, as ear vessels are larger in the medial portion than in the lateral portion, microsurgical replantation of a replant including only the helix is extremely difficult. The authors replanted a partial helix of the ear using a single arterial anastomosis. As no suitable veins could be identified, medicinal leech therapy and systemic heparinization were used to achieve venous drainage. The replanted helix survived completely and the cosmetic result was excellent. Microsurgical replantation should be considered the treatment of choice in helix amputation cases, even though amount of replant is small. (c) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Microsurgery 2009.

Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.

Publication typeCase ReportsJournal Article
Indexed MeSH termsAmputation, TraumaticAnastomosis, SurgicalEar, ExternalHumansLeechingMaleMicrosurgeryNo-Reflow PhenomenonReplantationSuture TechniquesYoung Adult

Zusammenfassung

Young adult with partial helix amputation underwent single arterial anastomosis replantation with medicinal leech therapy.

Warum dies für die Hirudotherapie relevant ist

This case report describes microsurgical replantation of a partial helix of the ear using a single arterial anastomosis, with no suitable veins identified for venous repair. Medicinal leech therapy combined with systemic heparinization was used to achieve venous drainage, resulting in complete survival of the replanted helix with an excellent cosmetic outcome. This is directly relevant to ASH's domain, illustrating hirudotherapy as a critical adjunct in distal ear replantation where diminutive vessel size precludes venous anastomosis. However, this is a single case report, and leech therapy was one component of a combined postoperative approach alongside heparinization, making it impossible to isolate the specific contribution of leeching to the outcome.

Zitation

Microsurgical replantation of a partial helix of the ear.

Kim KS et al. · Microsurgery, 2009

DOI

Verwandter klinischer Kontext

Erfahren Sie, wie diese Forschung mit der klinischen Praxis verknüpft ist

Clinical EvidenceClinical ApplicationsMicrosurgery OutcomesSurgeryOtolaryngologyAntimicrobial PeptidesSafety Protocols

Zur ASH-Bibliothek hinzugefügt: May 27, 2026 · Letzte Aktualisierung der Website: June 18, 2026

Diese Website stellt Bildungsinformationen bereit und ist weder eine medizinische Beratung noch eine Diagnose oder Behandlungsempfehlung. Die medizinische Blutegeltherapie ist mit klinisch relevanten Risiken verbunden und sollte ausschließlich von qualifizierten Klinikerinnen und Klinikern unter institutionell genehmigten Protokollen durchgeführt werden. Die FDA-510(k)-Zulassung für medizinische Blutegel ist auf bestimmte Indikationen beschränkt; experimentelle und Off-Label-Diskussionen werden entsprechend gekennzeichnet. Für patientenspezifische Beratung wenden Sie sich an eine qualifizierte Gesundheitsfachkraft.