Fingertip Replantation Research Articles

Clinical effect analysis of palmar venous anastomosis in fingertip replantation

Objective To investigate the feasibility and clinical effect of palmar venous anastomosis in fingertip replantation. Methods From October, 2008 to May, 2017, the clinical data of 15 patients with 24 finger replantation were retrospectively analyzed by outpatient, telephone and WeChat followed-up. One artery was anastomosed for revascularization with or without nerve repair, and 1 palmar venous anastomosis was performed to reestablish the outflow system. The finger nerve was sutured randomly according to the injury. Results The patients were followed-up for 18-65 (mean, 39.9) months. Except for 1 replantation finger with rotation avulsed injury failed, the remaining 14 cases with 23 fingers survived completely. Excellent restoration of finger motion was observed during the follow-up. The mean regained static 2-point discrimination sensation was 3.6 (2.8-4.0) mm. All patients were satisfied with the treatment effect. Conclusion Successful palmar venous anastomosis can improve the survival rate of replanted fingertips, simplify postoperative care, reduce postoperative complications, and improve the treatment effect. Key words: Fingertip; Replantation; Palmar vein of finger; Follow-up

Serial stab incision venous drainage technique for simple artery-only fingertip replantation.

Fingertip replantation is a challenging and technically demanding procedure. A variety of venous drainage techniques have been attempted for successful fingertip replantation. We present a new venous drainage technique, known as serial multifocal incision for fingertip replantation. Between 2006 and 2014, we performed 94 fingertip replantations without vein anastomosis. Eighty of the patients were male, and 14 were female, with an overall mean age of 42 years (range: 8-67 years). All patients suffered amputations distal to the distal phalanx joint (Ishikawa subzone I, II, or III). We performed only artery anastomosis. To relieve venous congestion, we incised the fingertip 2-3 mm using a number 11 scalpel blade and allowed the vein to drain naturally. We made small serial incisions every 2-3 days for 1 week. The overall success rate for this procedure was 90%, with 85 surviving digits. Two patients with partial necrosis and nine patients with complete loss needed a second operation. Two patients received blood transfusions with an average of 1.5 units, but both had an accompanying injury at another site. No one complained of nail deformity or wound infection. Various external bleeding techniques have been reported to yield good results. The serial stab incision venous drainage technique is a modified fish-mouth external bleeding technique that overcomes the disadvantages of published methods. This technique is simple, allows for easy control of venous drainage, and reduces the need for blood transfusions compared to other venous drainage techniques that cause large amounts of bleeding. We propose a new method, the serial stab incision venous drainage technique, which is effective and associated with high rates of survival.

The use of arteriovenous anastomosis for venous drainage during Tamai zone I fingertip replantation

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes for patients sustaining a distal fingertip amputation who underwent replantation witharteriovenous anastomosis for venous drainage over a one year period at our institution. This technique has been utilized when insufficient veins are identified in the amputated part for standard veno-venous anastomosis. MethodsA retrospective study was performed on patients presenting from 2013 to 2014. Guillotine, crush, and avulsion/degloving injuries were included if they underwent fingertip (Tamai Zone I) replantation with arterial anastomosis for vascular inflow and arteriovenous anastomosis for venous drainage. The cases were further classified as Ishikawa subzone I and subzone II. ResultsArteriovenous anastomosis for venous drainage during replantation was used in 45 digits in 35 patients. 41 of the 45 digits underwent successful replantation using this technique (91%). The mean active ROM in the DIP joint of the fingers and in the IP joint of thumbs was 65° and 57°, respectively. Sensory evaluation demonstrated a mean of 6.9 mm s2PD in digits where the digital nerves could be repaired. 11 replanted digits without nerve repair regained some sensory recovery with a mean of 9.6 mm s2PD. 91% of patients were highly satisfied with the appearance of the replanted digits based on Tamai criteria. ConclusionsArteriovenous anastomosis for venous outflow should be considered during zone I fingertip replantation if sufficient veins are not identified in the amputated part. This technique may allow for more routine and successful distal replantation.

Multiple venous anastomoses decrease the need for intensive postoperative management in tamai zone I replantations.

BackgroundVenous anastomosis is an important component of digital replantation, but is not always feasible, as some cases require external bleeding to treat venous congestion in the replanted tissue. In the present study, we evaluated the relationship between the number of vein anastomoses and the survival rate of Tamai zone I replantations.MethodsA retrospective review was performed of all patients who underwent replantation of a fingertip amputation between 2014 and 2016. Patient charts were reviewed for demographic information, the mechanism of injury, the number of venous anastomoses, and the use of anticoagulation, external bleeding, and/or leeches. The cohort was divided into 3 groups depending on the number of venous anastomoses: no veins (group 1), a single vein (group 2), and 2 or more veins (group 3). Survival rates and external bleeding rates were analyzed across the groups.ResultsThe review identified 143 fingertip replantations among 134 patients. The overall survival rate was 94% (135 of 143). Failures were due equally to venous complications (n=4, 50%) and to arterial complications (n=4, 50%). Our analysis did not identify any correlation between the number of veins anastomosed and the replant survival rate (P=0.689). However, a greater number of anastomoses was associated with a significantly lower frequency of external bleeding (P=0.017).ConclusionsThe number of venous anastomoses was not correlated with the survival rate. However, a greater number of venous anastomoses was associated with a decreased need for external bleeding, corresponding to a significant decrease in the need for postoperative monitoring and leech therapy.

Hemi-Intravascular Stenting for Supermicrosurgical Anastomosis

Although supermicrosurgical anastomosis is a widely known reconstructive microsurgical technique, it is difficult to perform. To expand the clinical use of supermicrosurgery, we used hemi-intravascular stenting (hemi-IVaS), which is performed by inserting an intravascular stent into one side of the vessel. We conducted lymphaticovenular anastomosis, free perforator flap transfer, and fingertip replantation with supermicrosurgical anastomosis using hemi-IVaS technique and examined its usefulness. Between January 2013 and February 2015, 11 anastomoses in 11 cases of lymphaticovenular anastomosis for lymphedema patients, 14 anastomoses in 7 cases of free perforator flap transfer with supermicrosurgical perforator-to-perforator anastomosis, and 9 anastomoses in 5 cases of fingertip replantation were performed using hemi-IVaS. Time required for anastomosis and complications were examined. Flap survival rate was also examined in free perforator flap transfer cases and fingertip replantation cases. In all cases, anastomoses were performed without complications such as inadvertent catching of the back wall of the vessel during the procedure or the need for reanastomoses. The average time required to complete the anastomosis was 16.4 ± 3.20 minutes using the hemi IVaS technique. All flaps survived in the supermicrosurgical perforator-to-perforator anastomosis as well as fingertip replantation cases. Hemi-IVaS could be a useful alternative to conventional intravascular stenting techniques and is also effective for supermicrosurgical perforator-to-perforator anastomosis. Further studies are needed to improve the success rate and to explore its other possible utilizations in supermicrosurgery.

Reverse Distal Transverse Palmar Arch in Distal Digital Replantation.

Refinements in microsurgery have made distal finger replantation an established technique with high success rates and good functional and aesthetic outcomes. However, it still represents a technically demanding procedure due to the small vessel caliber and frequent lack of vessel length, requiring the use of interpositional venous grafts in some instances. We describe a new technique for anastomosis in fingertip replantation, whereby the need for venous grafts is eliminated. Applying the reverse distal transverse palmar arch technique, 11 cases of distal digital replantation were performed between January 2011 and July 2016. The described procedure was used for arterial anastomosis in 10 cases and arteriovenous shunting for venous drainage in 1 case. A retrospective case review was conducted. The technical description and clinical outcome evaluations are presented. Ten of the 11 replanted digits survived, corresponding to an overall success rate of 91%. One replant failed due to venous insufficiency. Blood transfusions were not required for any of the patients. Follow-up (range, 1.5-5 months) revealed near-normal range of motion and good aesthetic results. All of the replanted digits developed protective sensation. The average length of hospital admission was 5 days. All patients were satisfied with the results and were able to return to their previous work. The use of the reverse distal transverse palmar arch is a novel and reliable technique in distal digital replantation when an increase in vessel length is required, allowing for a tension-free arterial repair without the need for vein grafts.

Intramedullary Venous Drainage System for Distal Fingertip Replantations.

The number of venous anastomoses performed during fingertip replantation is one of the most important factors affecting the success of replantation. However, because vessel diameters decrease in the zone 1 level, vessel anastomoses, especially vein anastomoses, are technically difficult and, thus, cannot be performed in most cases. Alternative venous drainage methods are crucial when any reliable vein repair is not possible. In the literature, so many artery-only replantation techniques have been defined, such as arteriovenous anastomoses, forming an arteriovenous or venocutaneous fistula, manual milking and massage, puncturing, and external bleeding via a fishmouth incision and using a medical leech. It has been shown that, in distal fingertip replantations, the medullary cavity may also be a good way for venous return. In this study, we introduce an alternative intramedullary venous drainage system we developed to facilitate venous drainage in artery-only fingertip replantations. The results of 24 fingertip replantations distal to the nail fold by using this system are presented with a literature review.

Fingertip Replantation With Palmar Venous Anastomoses in Children.

Fingertip amputation in children is difficult to manage using microsurgical replantation techniques and many salvage procedures have failed owing to the nonavailability of suitable veins for anastomosis in the fingertip. This study reviewed our experience of pediatric fingertip replantation involving palmar venous anastomoses and evaluated the clinical outcomes. From October 2008 to May 2013, 21 pediatric fingertips that had been completely amputated at or distal to the distal interphalangeal joint of the finger, or at or distal to the interphalangeal joint of the thumb were managed using complete replantation. One artery was anastomosed for revascularization with or without nerve repair, and a palmar venous anastomosis was performed to reestablish the outflow system. Twenty (95.2%) of the 21 fingertips survived. One replant involving an avulsion amputation of the left little finger failed, and the patient underwent stump cap-plasty. Excellent restoration of finger motion, pinch strength, and appearance was observed during the mean 39.9-month (range, 18-65 months) follow-up. The mean regained static 2-point discrimination sensation was 3.8 mm (range, 3.2-4.2 mm). All of the children and their families were satisfied with the surgical outcomes. Successful palmar venous anastomosis appears to promote the survival of replanted fingertips in children. Given that the procedure may simplify postoperative care, minimize complications, and achieve a high survival rate, it should be attempted if the technical expertise is available.

Fingertip (Tamai Zone I) Replantation under Local Anesthesia

Venous anastomosis is the most challenging part of fingertip replantation, where vein-to-vein anastomosis should be considered as the first-line option for its restoration. If the sizable vein cannot be identified, arterial-venous shunting and two-staged subdermal pocket procedure shall be the alternative surgical options. Arterial anastomosis-only replantation technique is an option when the vein is unavailable.

Results After Distal Digital Replantation - Is It Worth The Effort?

There are only relative indications for distal digital replantation in zones 1 and 2 according to Tamai. In contrast to primary closure for fingertip amputations, replantation is a complex procedure that requires skills in supermicrosurgical techniques, as vessels with diameters between 0.3-0.8 mm are connected. In addition the time spent in hospital and the time off from work are longer. Distal digital replantation is thus only indicated, if the expected functional and aesthetic benefits surmount those of primary closure. We retrospectively analysed all fingertip amputations in zone 1 and 2 according to Tamai between 9/2009 and 7/2014 where we attempted distal digital replantation. The success of replantation, wound healing and functional results were evaluated according to Yamano. We performed 11 distal digital replantations in the study period. There were 6 total amputations, 4 subtotal amputations and 1 avulsion of the digital pulp. Revascularisation with long-term reattachment of the amputated tissues was possible in 8 cases (73%). In 3 cases (27%) secondary amputation closure was necessary. The mean operating time was 3 h 56 min. 6 patients, which had a successful replantation, were available for follow-up examinations after a mean period of 19 months. 5 patients were satisfied with the result and would again prefer replantation over primary amputation closure. 4 patients reported a good function of the replanted digits and did not complain about any limitations in their use. 2 patients complained about restricted function. All patients could return to their previous places of employment and were free of pain. Of the 12 affected digital nerves 11 nerves had a 2-point discrimination (2-PD) of ≤15 mm, 3 of them had a 2-PD between 7 and 10 mm and 4 of them of <6 mm. Soft tissue atrophy was obvious in 3 replanted digits and nail deformities in 2 patients. Distal digital replantation is complex and technically challenging. It leads to high patient satisfaction with only minimal functional limitations, if successful. Due to the good results that can be obtained by these procedures, fingertip replantation should be attempted, if operative risks are minimal and if requested by the patient.

Evaluation of sensory function and recovery after replantation of fingertips at Zone I in children.

Sensory function is the most significant criterion when evaluating the prognosis of replanted fingers. Current clinical research has focused on surgical techniques and indications for finger replantation; however, few studies have focused on recovery of finger sensory function after replantation. This study retrospectively assessed data of eight patients who had undergone nine Zone I replantations of the fingertips in the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University of China from July 2014 to January 2016. Variations in the extent of damage, with the residual vessels or nerves in some fingers being too short or even missing, prevented tension-free suture repair in some patients. Thus, repair of four of the nine fingertips included arteriovenous anastomosis, the remaining five undergoing arterial anastomosis during replantation of the amputated fingers. Three patients underwent nerve repair, whereas the remaining six cases did not. Fingertip replantations were successful in all eight patients. Compared with the patients without vascular anastomosis, no obvious atrophy was visible in the fingertips of patients who did undergo vascular anastomosis during replantation and their sensory function did recover. Fingertip replantation provides good sensory function and cosmetic outcomes when good artery and vein anastomoses have been created, even when digital nerves have not been repaired.

Postoperative Evaluation of Patient Satisfaction and Tingling Sensation after Replantation Surgery without Nerve Repair for Complete Digital Amputation

Background When performing replantation surgery for complete fingertip amputation, we do not perform digital nerve repair. We hypothesized that this method would not decrease patient satisfaction. Methods Between July 2011 and August 2013, we performed replantation surgery for 21 complete digital amputations in 18 patients. Digital nerves were not repaired for fingertip amputations. For proximal to distal interphalangeal joint amputations (proximal amputation), however, we repaired as many digital nerves as possible. We followed 17 replanted fingers in 14 patients (fingertip, 9 fingers in 9 patients; proximal, 8 fingers in 5 patients) for &gt; 1 year, performing retrospective evaluation of subjective outcomes via telephone surveys. Patient satisfaction and fingertip tactile sensation scores (FTSS) were rated on scales of 0 to 10; unpleasant sensations (paresthesia or dysesthesia) were also surveyed. Results Mean patient satisfaction was significantly greater in the fingertip-amputation group than in the proximal-amputation group (9.4 and 7.6, respectively), although mean FTSS did not show significant difference (6.0 and 3.6, respectively). Patients with proximal amputations had dysesthesia in three fingers, paresthesia in one finger, and no numbness in four fingers, whereas patients with fingertip amputations had dysesthesia in three fingers, paresthesia in four fingers, and no numbness in two fingers. Patients with fingertip amputation had significantly more unpleasant sensation than those with proximal amputations. Conclusion Although fingertip replantation without digital nerve repair causes postoperative tingling, it results in good patient satisfaction.

Reply to a Letter to the Editor: Anatomical Study of the Fingertip Artery in Tamai Zone I: Clinical Significance in Fingertip Replantation

Reply to a Letter to the Editor: Anatomical Study of the Fingertip Artery in Tamai Zone I: Clinical Significance in Fingertip Replantation

Fingertip replantation (zone I) without venous anastomosis: clinical experience and outcome analysis.

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to report our experience of fingertip replantation without venous anastomosis using alternate method to counter post-operative venous congestion.Methods30 Patients (18 men and 12 women) with 30 fingertip amputations (Tamai zone I) were treated with artery-only anastomosis fingertip replantation between March 2010 and July 2014. Postoperative venous outflow was maintained by allowing bleeding through wound gaps combined with topical (12500u:250mlNS) and systemic (4000 IU SC once daily) heparin. The outcomes of replantation were evaluated using standard evaluating systems.ResultsThe average duration of hospital stay was 10 days (range 7–14 days). Twenty-eight (93 %) replanted fingertips survived. Five replanted fingertip experienced postoperative vascular crisis. The estimated post-operative blood loss was about 200–450 ml (mean, 292 ml). Follow-up period ranged from 12 to 24 months (average, 18 months). At final follow-up examinations, the average value of static two point discrimination test was 5.6 mm (range 3–9 mm) and Semmes–Weinstein monofilament test was 3.35 g (range 2.83–4.56 g). The mean range of motion of distal interphalangeal joint was 65.2° (range 0–90°) and all patients returned to their work within 7–18 weeks (average, 11 weeks).ConclusionArtery-only fingertip replantation can provide satisfactory cosmetic and functional results. Adequate venous outflow can be obtained by allowing minimal external bleeding through wound gaps combined with topical and systemic heparin.

Microvascular Anastomosis of Submillimeter Vessels—A Training Model in Rats

The advent of supermicrosurgery, which allows the anastomosis and dissection of small-caliber vessels ranging from 0.5 to 0.8mm in diameter, has led to the development of new reconstructive operations. Lymphaticovenous anastomosis, fingertip replantation and perforator flap surgery all require the supermicrosurgical techniques. In this paper, a rat model is described for the training of anastomosis of submillimeter vessels. Spraque-Dawley rats with the weight of 300 to 500g were used as the training models. The gender, weight and size of the femoral vessels of 20 rats were recorded. The segment of the femoral vessel which was lying on the ventral muscle group of the hind limb and distal to the origin of the superficial inferior epigastric vessels was used for the practice of microvascular anastomosis. In this study, there were 13 male and 7 female rats. The mean weight of the 20 rats was 395.6g. The mean diameters of the femoral artery and femoral vein were 0.54mm and 0.56mm respectively. The consistent size and anatomy of the femoral vessel make it a suitable training model for microvascular anastomosis of submillimeter vessels.

A Systematic Review of Outcomes and Complications of Primary Fingertip Reconstruction Using Reverse-Flow Homodigital Island Flaps.

Fingertip reconstruction using reverse-flow homodigital island flaps has been very popular over the years. However, the outcomes of reconstruction have not been clearly understood. In these circumstances, a systematic review of available literature is warranted. To assess the outcomes and complications of fingertip reconstruction using reverse-flow homodigital island flaps. To justify the usage of reverse-flow homodigital island flaps for fingertip reconstruction. A PubMed [MEDLINE] electronic database was searched (1985 to 15 April 2015). Retrospective case series that met the following criteria were included: (1) Study reported primary data; (2) Study included at least five cases of fingertip defects treated using reverse-flow homodigital island flaps; (3) Study reported outcomes and complications of fingertip reconstruction, either primary or delayed, using reverse-flow homodigital island flaps; (4) The study presented at least one of the following functional outcomes: Static two-point discrimination, return-to-work time, range of motion of distal interphalangeal joints; (5) The study presented at least one complication. Two review authors independently assessed search results, and two other review authors analyzed the data and resolved disagreements. The following endpoints were analyzed: survival rate of the flap, sensibility, and functional outcomes and complications. Eight studies were included in this review. The included studies were published between 1995 and 2014, and a total of 207 patients with 230 fingertip defects were reported. The overall survival rate of the flap was 98 % (including partial survival). The mean static two-point discrimination (2PD) was 7.2 mm. The average range of motion of the DIP joint was 63°. The average return-to-work time was 7 weeks after injury. On average, 2 % of the patient had complete flap necrosis, 5 % had partial flap necrosis, 4 % developed venous congestion, 4 % developed flexion contracture, and 12 % experienced mild-to-moderate cold intolerance. Survival of reconstructed fingertips (98 %) is better with reverse-flow homodigital island flaps than fingertip replantation (86 %). The sensibility outcome using sensate flaps (mean s2PD = 7.2 mm) is similar to the sensibility outcome following replantation (mean s2PD = 7 mm). The common complications include cold intolerance, venous congestion, and flexion contracture. Therefore, reverse-flow homodigital island flaps may not be the ideal choice but are a very reliable alternative for fingertip reconstruction. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Lateral Nail Fold Incision Technique for Venous Anastomosis in Fingertip Replantation.

Successful venous anastomosis is one of the most important factors in fingertip replantation. Volar veins in the fingertip course proximally in a random pattern, which makes it difficult to find out the exact locations. Although dorsal veins in the lateral nail fold have constant location and adequate diameter for anastomosis, they have been known as hard to dissect from the immobile subcutaneous tissue. The authors present a new lateral nail fold incision technique for venous anastomosis in the fingertip amputations. From February 2010 to October 2010, 9 replantations using the new incision and venous anastomosis technique were performed in 9 patients. The levels of amputations were from the nail base to half of the nail bed. After repairing the proper digital arteries, a skin incision was made along the junction between the lateral nail fold and nail bed. Careful dissection was performed to isolate the veins in the lateral nail fold. After evaluation of the suitability of the vessel, venous anastomosis was performed. Seven male and 2 female patients were enrolled in this study. Appropriate dorsal veins for anastomosis could be found in 8 of 9 patients. All the replanted stumps survived without venous congestion and following additional procedures. A sizable volar or dorsal vein could not be found in 1 patient. The salvage technique was required in this patient. Dorsal veins in the lateral nail fold can be found easily because of the constant anatomical location. The new incision on the lateral nail fold provides not only sufficient operative field for anastomosis but also additional opportunity of successful venous anastomosis in the selected cases. The authors, therefore, propose this technique as an effective method for an alternative venous anastomosis in the zone I replantation.

Fingertip replantation – obvious or debatable choice. Our experience

Introduction Fingertip injuries are one of the most frequent traumatic injury of the hand. Today fingertip replantation is an established surgical procedure but it is still a controversial surgical indication. Patients and methods From July 2007 to October 2014 17 patients (12 males, 5 females mean age 40.8) with fingertip amputation underwent to replantation surgery in our department. We classified fingertip amputation levels according to Ishikawa's classification. Results Eleven of the 17 fingertip replantations were successful. Four cases after venous stasis and two cases after arterial failure have been regularized. Patients were discharged 8 days after surgery (mean time). Active range of motion (ROM) at proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP) joint was 70°–90° (mean 82°) and for thumb reconstructions, Kapandji test was from 7 to 9 score. The Weber test was from 8 to 13 mm. Discussion Fingertip replantation represents a complex technical procedure for expert surgeons. Distal replantation is the most elegant and aesthetically satisfactory technique of tip reconstruction, superior to other alternative methods. However, surgical indications must to be personalized for each patient.

A novel technique for distal fingertip replantation: Polypropylene suture guided interpositional vein graft

Background: Despite current advances in microsurgery, fingertip replantation is still controversial, mainly due to its difficulty and cost. The purpose of this study is to describe a new technique of interposition vein graft guided by polypropylene suture in distal fingertip replantation. Methods: A total of eight consecutive Tamai zone 1 fingertip replantations performed by the same author were included. All replantations were performed using interposition vein graft guided by polypropylene suture. This technique involved a vein graft of ∼ 2 cm, with appropriate calibration, obtained from the volar part of the forearm and a 2-0 polyprolene suture passed through the interposition vein graft. Then, a polypropylene suture guide carrying the vein graft was inserted into the artery. The anastomosis was easily performed with the aid of 10-0 or 11-0 nylon in a bloodless medium and without encountering the posterior wall problem. Results: Average surgery time was 2.5 hours (range = 2–3 hours). Among eight Tamai zone 1 replantations, six were successful (75%). There were two replantations lost because of arterial failure. Conclusion: This technique may ease fingertip replantations and increase the success rate for Tamai zone 1 injuries.

Activated Coagulation Time Dynamics after Heparin Administration in Fingertip Replantation

Activated Coagulation Time Dynamics after Heparin Administration in Fingertip Replantation