Replantation is the surgical re-attachment of severed toes or fingers. The aim of replantation is to re-join the cut part and restore maximum function. On reaching the hospital, the surgeon will immediately examine the severed part under high magnification microscope and determine if it is possible to attach it. To re-attach the severed finger or toe, the surgeon cleans the damaged tissue from the injury site and aligns the bones using steel pins / Plates and Screws. Then the arteries, veins, nerves and tendons are connected. Joining the blood vessels is the most important part of the surgery which is done under microscope using sutures thinner than the hair. The patient is kept under observation and the re-joined part is monitored continuously to check the perfusion. During recovery, the patient will be recommended physiotherapy to help regain normal function of the injured body part.
The viability of the severed organ depends on the duration since injury, the method of preservation while coming to the hospital and the extent of damaged tissue at the site of injury, especially the condition of the nerves and the blood vessels. Availability of Hand surgeon 24 x 7, helps us to reattach the amputated part in the Golden period of six hours, which has a higher success rate.
If the amputated organ cannot be restored, the doctor may recommend a reconstruction using local flaps and tissues. Sometimes skin and bone from the amputated part can be used as a spare parts graft. Hence it is always prudent to bring the cut part.