Successful replantation of the ear as a venous flap
Case report published in Ann Plast Surg (2008)
Abstract
Successful microvascular ear replantation is well described, and often involves the use of arterial inflow anastomoses with leeches and systemic anticoagulation to augment outflow. Failed replantation attempts have also been published, with most of the failures attributed to venous drainage problems. A case of successful replantation of an ear is presented using a single 0.5-mm arteriovenous anastomosis, as no suitable artery could be identified in the amputated part. Postoperatively, dextran and leech therapies were employed to promote adequate venous drainage. We report a 100% successful ear replantation using a single arterialized vein as the inflow. In situations where no adequate artery is identifiable in the amputated part, an arteriovenous anastomosis may be a suitable alternative.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Summary
A case report describes successful ear replantation using a single 0.5-mm arteriovenous anastomosis for inflow because no suitable artery was found in the amputated part; postoperative dextran and leech therapy achieved adequate venous drainage, and the replantation was completely successful.
Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy
This case report describes successful replantation of an avulsed ear using a single 0.5-mm arteriovenous anastomosis, with postoperative dextran and leech therapies employed to promote adequate venous drainage when no suitable artery was identifiable in the amputated part. The authors report 100% successful replantation using an arterialized vein as the sole inflow. The paper documents medicinal leech therapy as an adjunct in ear replantation where conventional arterial repair was not feasible. This is a single case report without controls, and leech therapy was used in combination with dextran, precluding independent attribution of the successful outcome to leeching alone.
Citation
Added to ASH library: May 27, 2026 · Site last updated: June 18, 2026