[Replantation of amputated ear with microtechnique].
OBJECTIVE
To report replantation of amputated ear with microtechnique in 5 cases.


METHODS
From 2002 to 2005, 5 totally amputated ears were replanted and 4 obediently, 1 retrogressively. In every case, 1-2 arteries and 1-3 veins were anastomosed. Seven vessels were detective and 1-6 cm vessels were transplanted from forearm or dorsal side of hand. Amputated ears obtained blood supply again in about 6-10 hours after injury and exploration was enforced for venous crisis in 2 cases, and bloodletting in 1 case.


RESULTS
All 5 cases survived. Auricles possess perfect shape, no pigmentation, slight atrophy and perfect sensation.


CONCLUSIONS
Amputated ear should be replanted as long as no obvious contusion occurred, and the keys to prevent vascular crisis are cutting off unhealthy vessels, grafting superficial veins for bridging, and the high quality of vascular anastomosis.
Sun
Wen-hai
WH
Hand and Food Surgical Center, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan 250021, China. sunwsea@126.com
Wang
Zeng-tao
ZT
Zhu
Xiao-lei
XL
Hu
Yong
Y
Zhu
Lei
L
Liu
Zhi-bo
ZB
Wang
De-hua
DH
Xu
Qing-jia
QJ
Wu
Hao
H
D000328:Adult; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000379:methods*; D004431:Ear, External / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008866:Microsurgery; D055806:Microvessels / Q000601:surgery*; D012092:Replantation / Q000379:methods*; D055815:Young Adult