American Society of Hirudotherapy

Salvage of ear replantation using the temporoparietal fascia flap

Case report published in Ann Plast Surg (2000)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Case reportClinical TrialsChun JK et al. · Annals of plastic surgery, 2000

Abstract

The authors report a case involving a 46-year-old man who sustained a traumatic amputation of approximately 60% of his ear from a human bite. The ear was replanted microsurgically without the benefit of venous anastomosis. Blood transfusion was not required despite the use of leech therapy and systemic anticoagulation. The replantation appeared to be a success at the time of his discharge from the hospital, but during the late postoperative period the replanted ear became progressively necrotic. The failing ear replantation was rescued successfully with the use of temporoparietal fascia flap reconstruction.

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

Publication typeCase ReportsJournal Article
Indexed MeSH termsAmputation, TraumaticBites, HumanEar, ExternalHumansMaleMiddle AgedReoperationReplantationSurgical Flaps

Summary

46-year-old man with 60% ear amputation from human bite underwent microsurgical replantation without venous anastomosis, managed with leech therapy and systemic anticoagulation. Late necrosis was rescued with a temporoparietal fascia flap.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This case report describes a 46-year-old man who underwent microsurgical replantation of a traumatically amputated ear (approximately 60%) from a human bite, performed without venous anastomosis and managed with leech therapy and systemic anticoagulation. Despite an initially successful appearance at discharge, the replanted ear became progressively necrotic in the late postoperative period and was ultimately rescued using a temporoparietal fascia flap. The article is relevant to ASH because leech therapy was part of the initial venous congestion management strategy, illustrating its use in ear replantation. However, leech therapy did not prevent eventual necrosis in this single case, the report's focus is the fascia flap salvage, and no conclusions about leech therapy efficacy can be drawn from this isolated case.

Citation

Salvage of ear replantation using the temporoparietal fascia flap.

Chun JK et al. · Annals of plastic surgery, 2000

DOI

Added to ASH library: May 26, 2026 · Site last updated: June 18, 2026

This website provides educational information and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Medicinal leech therapy carries clinically meaningful risks and should be performed only by qualified clinicians under institutionally approved protocols. FDA 510(k) clearance for medicinal leeches is limited to specific indications; investigational and off-label discussions are labeled accordingly. For patient-specific guidance, consult a qualified healthcare provider.