American Society of Hirudotherapy

Microsurgical replantation of a total scalp avulsion. Case report

Research article published in Scandinavian journal of plastic and reconstructive surgery (1986)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Case reportClinical TrialsFogdestam et al. · Scandinavian journal of plastic and reconstructive surgery, 1986

Abstract

In June 1982, a 9-year-old girl sustained a total scalp avulsion including the entire right eyebrow, the upper third of the skin of the dorsum of the nose and the medial half of the left eyebrow. On both sides the temporal skin was included and in the neck a border of just 1 cm of hairbearing area was left intact. The scalp was successfully replanted. The operative procedures, the pre-operative and post-operative treatment are described and discussed. The follow-up time is 3 years and the sequelae have been found to be minimal.

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

Publication typeCase ReportsJournal Article
Indexed MeSH termsAmputation, TraumaticChildEstheticsFemaleForeheadHumansMicrosurgeryReplantationScalpVascular Surgical Procedures

Summary

Peer-reviewed clinical and outcomes research relevant to medicinal leech therapy and its biology. Indexed in PubMed and verified against the NCBI record.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This case report (Fogdestam et al., 1986) describes a 9-year-old girl who in June 1982 sustained a near-total scalp avulsion (including the eyebrows, the upper dorsum of the nose, and temporal skin, with only a 1 cm border of hair-bearing skin left intact) that was successfully replanted, with minimal sequelae at 3-year follow-up; the operative and peri-operative management are described. It is relevant to hirudotherapy as an early example of microsurgical replantation of marginally perfused composite tissue, the clinical niche where medicinal leeches are used to combat venous congestion and support flap and replant survival. Caveat: this is a single historical case focused on the replantation procedure and outcome; the abstract does not mention leech therapy, so it documents feasibility of such replantations rather than any leech-specific benefit.

Citation

Microsurgical replantation of a total scalp avulsion. Case report.

Fogdestam et al. · Scandinavian journal of plastic and reconstructive surgery, 1986

DOI

Added to ASH library: May 28, 2026 · Site last updated: June 18, 2026

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