Description

Familiarity with Treatment:

Hand replantation is a complex surgical procedure that involves reattaching a completely amputated hand or fingers to restore form and function. It requires intricate microsurgery to reconnect blood vessels, nerves, tendons, and bones, aiming to achieve optimal functional and aesthetic outcomes.

Procedure:

1. Preparation: The amputated part and the amputation site are meticulously prepared for surgical reattachment.
2. Microsurgical Reattachment: Blood vessels, nerves, tendons, and bones are carefully realigned and sutured under magnification to restore circulation, sensation, and function.

Who is it Suitable for?

Hand replantation is suitable for individuals who have experienced traumatic amputation of the hand or fingers and who are motivated to regain hand function. It is often considered for patients with well-preserved amputated parts and a suitable amputation site, particularly when the amputation significantly impairs hand function and quality of life.

Who is it Not Suitable for?

Hand replantation may not be suitable for individuals with severely crushed or mangled amputated parts that are not amenable to successful reattachment. Additionally, those with medical conditions that increase surgical risks or those who are not committed to intensive postoperative rehabilitation may not be good candidates for this procedure.

Advantages:

• Restoration of Function: Hand replantation aims to restore hand function, sensation, and cosmetic appearance, allowing for improved quality of life.
• Psychological Benefits: Successful replantation can have significant psychological benefits, helping individuals regain a sense of wholeness and independence.

Complications:

• Potential complications of hand replantation may include reperfusion injury, vascular or nerve compromise, infection, joint stiffness, and the possibility of partial or complete replantation failure.

Preoperative Care:

• Rapid and careful preservation of the amputated part, usually by wrapping it in a clean, damp cloth and placing it in a sealed plastic bag within a container of ice.
• Stabilization of the patient’s condition and thorough evaluation of the amputation site and the amputated part to assess the feasibility of replantation.

Postoperative Care:

• Immobilization and protection of the replanted hand during the initial healing phase.
• Intensive rehabilitation, including hand therapy and occupational therapy, to promote optimal functional recovery.
• Long-term follow-up for monitoring of hand function, sensation, and cosmetic appearance.