Use of the labial artery for replantation of the lip and chin
Case report published in Annals of plastic surgery (1988)
Abstract
A 12-year-old boy suffered from a full-thickness traumatic amputation of his lower lip and chin following a horse bite. Microsurgical technique was used to reanastomose the inferior labial artery and a vein of the chin. The replanted flap remained viable, and the patient has done well despite some early problems with eating and drooling. The patient is now able to purse his lips and has regained sensation and the use of his orbicularis oris and musculus mentalis, even though no attempt was made to repair the motor nerves or sensory nerves. Because of the potential superior cosmetic and functional results following replantation, we recommend aggressive microsurgical attempts at arterial and venous anastomosis not previously described following traumatic amputation. The inferior labial artery may be considered for use as a nutrient artery for replantation and in future elective maxillofacial reconstruction and free-flap transfer.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Summary
A 12-year-old boy's lower lip and chin, amputated by a horse bite, were replanted by microsurgically anastomosing the inferior labial artery and a chin vein; the flap survived, with recovered sensation and lip function despite unrepaired nerves.
Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy
This case report describes microsurgical replantation of a full-thickness lower lip and chin in a 12-year-old boy after a horse bite, with reanastomosis of the inferior labial artery and a chin vein; the replanted flap remained viable and the patient regained sensation and orbicularis oris/musculus mentalis function despite no nerve repair, leading the authors to recommend aggressive arterial and venous anastomosis after such amputations. It is relevant to hirudotherapy as an example of the small, vascularly precarious facial replantations in which medicinal leeches are commonly used to counter venous congestion and improve flap survival, though the report itself describes no leech therapy. As a single-patient case report it provides only anecdotal, hypothesis-level evidence and cannot establish efficacy of any adjunct, including leeches.
Citation
Use of the labial artery for replantation of the lip and chin.
Schubert et al. · Annals of plastic surgery, 1988
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