Total lower lip and chin replantation following a trampoline accident: Rescue surgery with intensive leech therapy

Lip amputations in children may require urgent microsurgical management. Here we report a salvage procedure with partial survival following lower lip and chin replantation after a trampoline accident. Total amputation was managed with inferior labial artery anastomosis; however, venous drainage was not reestablished, necessitating leech therapy. Despite arterial revisions, 75 % of the lip and 25 % of the chin were lost by post-operative day 14. Reconstruction with a combined right Karapandzic flap and left Camille Bernard flap was performed one month later, supplemented by mesotherapy and nanofat injections. The outcome was marked by residual microstomia. These injuries are rare in children, often caused by dog bites. Venous anastomosis is frequently unfeasible, with leech therapy critical for drainage. When replantation is partially successful, reconstruction may involve local flaps or free tissue transfers. Microsurgical expertise, access to leech therapy and close collaboration with intensivists are essential for optimizing outcomes.

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A child's total lower-lip and chin amputation was replanted with inferior labial artery anastomosis, but no venous repair required leech therapy; despite arterial revisions, 75% of the lip and 25% of the chin were lost, later reconstructed with local flaps.

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