Complete ear replantation without venous anastomosis

Case report published in Microsurgery (1998)

Última actualización: June 18, 2026Revisado por: ASH Editorial Board

Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference

Evidence: Case reportEnsayos clínicosSeguridad y control de infeccionesNath RK et al. · Microsurgery, 1998

Abstract

Traumatic amputation of the entire auricle is a rare occurrence. Management ideally consists of microvascular reconstruction of auricular arterial, venous, and nerve continuity. However, appropriately sized veins are often not available and venous drainage must be accomplished with leech therapy. In occasional cases where leeches are unavailable or cannot be made to attach, mechanical drainage and anticoagulation can give satisfactory drainage. The authors present a case of mechanical wick venous drainage of a complete ear replantation, resulting in virtually normal appearance and function of the ear. In addition, the ear regained normal touch and two-point sensibility, although the great auricular nerve had not been repaired.

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

Publication typeCase ReportsJournal Article

Indexed MeSH termsAdultAmputation, TraumaticAnticoagulantsArteriesDrainageEar, ExternalHeparinHumansMaleReplantationVeins

Resumen

Case of complete ear replantation with mechanical wick venous drainage and anticoagulation when leeches were unavailable; achieved virtually normal appearance and function.

Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia

This case report describes complete traumatic ear replantation in which venous drainage was managed with mechanical wick drainage and anticoagulation rather than leech therapy, because appropriately sized veins for anastomosis were unavailable and leeches could not be used. The authors note that leech therapy is the standard approach for achieving venous drainage when venous anastomosis is not feasible, but present mechanical drainage as an alternative when leeches are unavailable or fail to attach. For ASH, this article is relevant insofar as it positions hirudotherapy as the recognized first-line adjunct for venous congestion in ear replantation, while documenting a successful non-leech workaround. The study is a single case report and does not directly evaluate leech therapy outcomes.

Citación

Complete ear replantation without venous anastomosis.

Nath RK et al. · Microsurgery, 1998

DOI

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Aviso legal — investigación y educación

La información en esta página se proporciona únicamente con fines educativos e informativos y no constituye asesoramiento médico, diagnóstico o recomendaciones de tratamiento. Los resúmenes de evidencia clínica reflejan la literatura publicada revisada por pares y no implican eficacia terapéutica fuera de los contextos autorizados por la FDA.

La autorización FDA 510(k) para sanguijuelas medicinales se limita a indicaciones específicas. Las aplicaciones en investigación y fuera de indicación se identifican como tales. Los profesionales deben consultar las directrices vigentes de la FDA, los protocolos institucionales y las normativas estatales aplicables antes del uso clínico.

ASH apoya la evaluación rigurosa basada en evidencia de todas las aplicaciones de hirudoterapia mediante ensayos clínicos controlados e investigación revisada por pares.

Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: May 27, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: June 18, 2026