Surgical
Procedures
Reconstructive Micro-surgery
Replantation
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
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.
