American Society of Hirudotherapy

Face autotransplantation after an accident

Case report published in J Craniofac Surg (2022)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Case reportClinical TrialsKim KS et al. · The Journal of craniofacial surgery, 2022

Abstract

Microsurgical replantation is considered the best method to treat avulsion or amputation injuries of unique head parts, including the scalp, eyelid, nose, ear, lip, and tongue. However, there is currently no report on microsurgical replantation of substi-tutable facial tissues in the literature. This report presents a patient with avulsed facial composite tissue composed of the skin and subcutaneous layers treated by microsurgical replantation. The present case shows that microsurgical replantation of small facial composite tissues is feasible. The authors suggest that the indication spectrum for microsurgical replantation should be expanded beyond current clinical practice.

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

Publication typeCase ReportsJournal Article
Indexed MeSH termsAccidentsAmputation, TraumaticFacial TransplantationHumansMaleMicrosurgeryMiddle AgedScalpTransplantation, AutologousTreatment Outcome

Summary

First-reported microsurgical replantation of avulsed facial composite tissue (skin + subcutaneous layers). Suggests expanding microsurgical replantation indications.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This case report presents microsurgical replantation of avulsed facial composite tissue (skin and subcutaneous layers) following trauma, demonstrating feasibility of the technique and suggesting expansion of indications for microsurgical replantation. The abstract focuses entirely on surgical replantation methodology and outcomes. There is no mention of leeches, hirudotherapy, hirudin, or any leech-derived substance. Although leech therapy is sometimes employed in reconstructive surgery for venous congestion management, this report does not document such use. Consequently, this article has no direct relevance to ASH's research domain.

Citation

Face autotransplantation after an accident.

Kim KS et al. · The Journal of craniofacial surgery, 2022

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

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