American Society of Hirudotherapy

Ear replantation as super-microsurgery: technical tips

Review published in J Craniofac Surg (2025)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Research reportClinical TrialsKang et al. · The Journal of craniofacial surgery, 2025

Abstract

Compared with other techniques of ear reattachment, microvascular replantation produces a superior esthetic result. However, its rarity and very tiny vessel size make ear replantation a complex and difficult procedure for microsurgeons. With the development of microsurgical skills, it has been possible to restore even the partially amputated ear, as well as the totally avulsed ear. Currently, only a few successful results have been published as case reports and included in review articles. The authors present, for the first time in the literature, a small clinical series of ear replantations, together with super-microsurgical intraoperative video clips. The authors also share several technical tips for successful ear replantation, which might prove of help to microsurgeons.

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

Publication typeJournal Article

Summary

Super-microsurgery technical-tips review for ear replantation including adjunctive leech-therapy considerations.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This article presented a small clinical series of ear replantations performed with super-microsurgical techniques, including intraoperative video clips and technical tips intended to assist microsurgeons with the challenges of tiny vessel anastomoses. The abstract discusses only the surgical technique and rarity of ear replantation, with no mention of venous congestion, leech therapy, or the leech secretome. Because neither hirudotherapy nor the leech secretome is referenced, the article's relevance to the American Society of Hirudotherapy is minimal and purely contextual, sharing only the broad domain of reconstructive microsurgery in which tissue salvage adjuncts might theoretically be considered. No defensible, abstract-supported connection to hirudotherapy exists.

Citation

Ear replantation as super-microsurgery: technical tips.

Kang et al. · The Journal of craniofacial surgery, 2025

Added to ASH library: May 27, 2026 · Site last updated: June 18, 2026

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