Replantation of amputated facial tissues with microvascular anastomosis
Case series published in Microsurgery (1994)
Abstract
A challenge to the microsurgeon is perfecting the technique of replantation of small pieces of facial tissue, mainly because of the extremely small size of the arteries as well as a lack of suitable veins for drainage. In the past 4 years, we have had seven cases of facial amputations, which included one scalp, two nasal tips, two ears, one lower lip, and one eyebrow. All of these patients were replanted/revascularized by microvascular anastomosis. Only two of the cases had suitable veins for anastomosis. Alternative techniques used for improving venous outflow were arterio-venous fistula, chemical leeches, and pin pricks. Four of the cases were completely successful, two cases had partial loss of the replant, and one case failed due to absence of venous drainage. In facial amputation, an aggressive microsurgical attempt will result in more tissue surviving and a better cosmetic outcome than in any other reconstructive procedures.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Resumen
Seven cases of facial amputation (scalp, nasal tips, ears, lower lip, eyebrow) all underwent microvascular replantation/revascularization; only two cases had suitable veins for anastomosis, with alternative outflow techniques including chemical leeches and pin pricks.
Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia
Este reporte describe siete casos de amputación facial a lo largo de cuatro años —incluyendo lesiones de cuero cabelludo, punta nasal, oreja, labio y ceja— que fueron reimplantados o revascularizados mediante anastomosis microvascular. Solo dos casos presentaban venas aptas para la anastomosis, y se enumeran la fístula arteriovenosa, las sanguijuelas químicas y las punciones como técnicas alternativas empleadas para mejorar el drenaje venoso. Cuatro casos fueron completamente exitosos, dos presentaron pérdida parcial del reimplante y uno fracasó debido a la ausencia de drenaje venoso. El resumen menciona las sanguijuelas químicas únicamente como una medida alternativa de drenaje venoso y no aporta detalles sobre en qué consistió, cuándo se eligió ni qué resultados se le pueden atribuir. Advertencia: el artículo versa principalmente sobre la técnica de reimplante microquirúrgico; no se analiza la terapia con sanguijuelas vivas, por lo que su relevancia para la hirudoterapia es mínima e indirecta.
Citación
Replantation of amputated facial tissues with microvascular anastomosis.
Jeng SF et al. · Microsurgery, 1994
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Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: May 27, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: 18 de junio de 2026