Treatment strategy for venous congestion in digit replantations

Abstract

With microsurgical techniques, digit replantation becomes a treatment option for amputated injuries. By standard, the survival of replants relies on satisfactory artery reconstruction and venous drainage to restore tissue perfusion. The main reason for replantation failure is the improper treatment of venous congestion during the critical postoperative period. Surgical re-exploration and emergently redoing digital vein reconstruction are conventional in treating this threatening condition. As this procedure demands the patient’s surgical preparation and immediate availability of surgical crews or facilities, any treatment delay and prolonged congestion could result in a higher failure probability.