Microsurgical replantation of a partial helix of the ear
Case report published in 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.
Summary
Young adult with partial helix amputation underwent single arterial anastomosis replantation with medicinal leech therapy.
Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy
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.
Citation
Added to ASH library: May 27, 2026 · Site last updated: June 18, 2026