American Society of Hirudotherapy

The venocutaneous fistula: a new technique for reducing venous congestion in replanted fingertips

Case series published in Plast Reconstr Surg (1997)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Case reportClinical TrialsKamei K, Sinokawa Y, Kishibe M · Plastic and reconstructive surgery, 1997

Abstract

The venocutaneous fistula technique, which involves the construction of a temporary venous return bypass using a venous graft, was devised to prevent venous congestion after fingertip replantation surgery. The proximal side of the venous graft is anastomosed to a vein at the dorsum of the finger. The distal side of the graft is sutured to the skin around a punch wound on the volar side of the replanted fingertip. This procedure was applied successfully to four fingertips in two patients without any anastomosis of the proper vein or the application of bleeding wound techniques or medicinal leeches. This method provides an excellent alternative in the treatment of venous congestion.

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

Publication typeCase ReportsJournal Article
Indexed MeSH termsAdultFemaleFinger InjuriesFingersFistulaHumansMaleMicrosurgeryMiddle AgedReplantationSkinVeins

Summary

Venocutaneous fistula technique creates a temporary venous return bypass with a venous graft anastomosed to a dorsal vein and sutured to skin around a punch wound — successfully applied to four fingertips in two patients without need for proper-vein anastomosis or medicinal leeches.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

The abstract describes the venocutaneous fistula technique—a temporary venous return bypass using a venous graft—devised to prevent venous congestion after fingertip replantation, applied successfully to four fingertips in two patients. The procedure was performed without medicinal leeches, bleeding wound techniques, or proper vein anastomosis, and is presented as an alternative in the treatment of venous congestion. For ASH, the relevance is indirect: the abstract explicitly notes that leeches were not used, so this article does not provide evidence about hirudotherapy itself, only documentation of a surgical alternative. The technique was applied in only two patients, limiting broader conclusions.

Citation

The venocutaneous fistula: a new technique for reducing venous congestion in replanted fingertips.

Kamei K, Sinokawa Y, Kishibe M · Plastic and reconstructive surgery, 1997

DOIPubMed

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

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