Replantation of the totally avulsed scalp
Research article published in The Journal of trauma (1980)
Abstract
A case report of successful microvascular replantation of a totally avulsed scalp is presented. The scalp itself, in good condition, was used as a free flap. Following operation, the right temporal artery was patent; the left was not. Repair of the left temporal artery was not attempted but large thrombi were milked from the scalp veins. Excellent perfusion of the scalp was provided through the right side. Hair growth began soon after operation, spotty at first but eventually excellent.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
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 describes successful microvascular replantation of a totally avulsed scalp, with the scalp used as a free flap; the right temporal artery was patent postoperatively while the left was not, and large thrombi were milked from the scalp veins, yet excellent perfusion via the right side led to eventual excellent hair growth. This is relevant to hirudotherapy/ASH because microvascular replantation is a classic setting for medicinal leech use—leeches are deployed to relieve venous congestion in replanted tissue, and leech-derived hirudin and its analogs inform anticoagulant strategies relevant to the kind of thrombosis noted here. Honest caveat: this is a single case report with no mention of leech therapy itself, so it provides no direct evidence for hirudotherapy or hirudin-based anticoagulation in scalp replantation.
Citation
Added to ASH library: May 28, 2026 · Site last updated: June 18, 2026