Replantation is the reattachment of body parts utilizing microvascular technique. The first thumb was replanted in 1961 by Dr. Chen Zong Wei in Beijing. This went unnoticed for ten years, do to lack of communication with the West. This procedure was then repeated by Dr. Harii in Japan in 1971. Dr. Harry Bunke, of The Bunke Clinic, in San Mateo, Ca., brought these techniques to the U.S. in the early 70’s. Dr. Dabb

    
       

helped organize the microvascular center at the University of Pennsylvania and performed some of the first microvascular procedures in the city, including the first hand replant and first free flap in Pennsylvania.

Many traumatic amputations have been successfully replanted since then.

Examples

Lip Replant

    
   
Before
  
After
            
                         

Forearm Replant After Amputation with a log splitter

   
 
 
   

Thumb Replant
 
Before
After
   
If an appendage is amputated, it should be cleaned, placed in a moist dressing, in a plastic bag, and then cooled in ice (not dry ice, that will cause frostbite). The wound from which the body part is lost should be dressed with a compression dressing. Attempts to ligate vessels in the field and tournequets should be discouraged.