Ectopic single-finger transplantation, a novel technique for nonreplantable digits: assessment of 24 cases--presenting the "piggyback" method

Salvage of Devascularized and Amputated Upper Extremity Digits with Temporary Ectopic Replantation: Our Clinical Series

BACKGROUND

One of the reasons for unsuccessful replantation is recipient site problems. In cases where proximal stump status cannot be predicted exactly, reamputation may be required depending on the result of infection and tissue necrosis. The ectopic banking method has been defined for this type of injury. In this study, we presented the amputated or devascularized upper extremity digit ectopic banking application results in our clinical practice.

METHODS

Nineteen digits (17 patients) banking ectopically were included in the study. All digits ectopically banked in the forearm volar of the non-injured upper limb. Transfers were made after waiting for the appropriate time. Ectopic banking periods, postoperative complications, and other descriptive data were recorded. In the postoperative 6th month, the range of motion (ROM) values of the digits were measured and compared with the ROM values of the same digit on the non-injured extremity.Also, in the postoperative 6th month, a questionnaire with a score of 1-5 was conducted for cosmetic results.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up time was 13.6 months. The mean patient age was 39.5 years. The ectopic banking success rate is 94.1% (16/17). The orthotopic/heterotopic transfer success rate is 100% (17/17). Ectopic banking time is, on average, 19.2 days (min 5-max 55). Average cosmetic scale is 3.54.

CONCLUSIONS

We think that the results of our study will shed light on surgeons who make ectopic banking applications.

Internally Fabricated Chimera Anterolateral Thigh-Amputate Flaps for Metachronous Reconstruction

The chimera flap is a versatile and exciting tissue composition for the reconstruction of complex tissue defects.

Revascularization and Replantation in the Hand: Ectopic Banking and Replantation

Traumatic amputation of the upper extremity remains a challenging problem for reconstructive hand surgeons. Temporary ectopic banking of amputated parts for subsequent replantation is an innovative and valuable surgical technique for patients who would otherwise be poor candidates for replantation. The applications of ectopic banking have evolved and expanded to include various clinical scenarios. Although there is considerable variability within the literature, this article summarizes the optimal banking locations and duration, while also highlighting several treatment considerations when performing this technique.

Usefulness of ectopic implantation in multiple finger amputation injury

Replantation combined with simultaneous ectopic implantation can be considered in patients with multiple finger amputation injury. This technique has the advantages of reducing the operating time and optimizing hemodynamic stability. However, it is only possible when multiple hand and microsurgery team can be organized at short notice.

A series of rat segmental forelimb ectopic implantation models

Temporary ectopic implantation has been performed in clinical practice to salvage devascularized amputated tissues for delayed replantation purpose. In this study, we established a series of segmental forelimb ectopic implantation models in rats, including forelimb, forearm, forepaw, digit, and double forelimbs, to mimic the clinical context. Time of amputated limbs harvesting in donors and ectopic implantation process in recipients were recorded. Survival time and mortalities of recipients were also recorded. Sixty days after ectopic implantation, a full-field laser perfusion imager (FLPI) was used to detect the blood flow of amputated limbs and micro-CT imaging was used to examine bone morphological changes. Histological sections of amputated limbs were stained with hematoxylin and eosin to evaluate pathological changes. Implanted amputated limbs in all models achieved long term survival and there were no obvious morphological and histological changes were found according to results of micro-CT and histology study. Thus, a series of rat segmental forelimb temporary ectopic implantation models have been well established. To our knowledge, this is the first rodent animal model related to forelimb temporary ectopic implantation. These models might facilitate further research related to salvage, reconstruction and better aesthetic and functional outcome of upper extremity/digit in temporary ectopic implantation scenario.

Ectopic banking of amputated parts: a clinical review

Since its first clinical description by Marco Godina in 1986, the technique of temporary ectopic banking of amputated parts has been employed in a growing body of reported cases. This installment provides a review of the reported cases in the international literature to date, focusing on our evolving understanding of clinical indications, operative timing, and surgical technical consideration. Two illustrative cases are provided to highlight these concepts.

Replantation surgery

The current concepts of replantation surgery, a procedure that has been practiced for half a century, can be discussed in terms of patients' demands and expectations, present indications for the procedure, available evidence that influences decision making, and technical refinements practiced to produce better outcomes.

Secondary ectopic transfer for replantation salvage after severe wound infection

BACKGROUND

Ectopic transfer has been described as a salvage procedure in failing replants. The experience in three cases of infected failing replantations treated with secondary temporary ectopic transfer of the replanted part is presented.

METHODS

Three patients with replanted traumatic amputations (one transhumeral, one transmetacarpal, and one transtibial) that developed severe wound infections and thrombosis of the anastomoses were treated with urgent ectopic transfer of the replanted part. The ectopic recipient vessels were the femoral, posterior tibial, and the descending branch of the lateral femoral circumflex arteries. The stumps were surgically cleansed and the ectopically replanted parts were retransferred some days later.

RESULTS

The infection reccurred in one case and the replant (transmetacarpal) was lost. The two other cases were successfully retransferred orthotopically, 9 and 20 days later, respectively. In one case (transtibial) multiple additional surgical procedures were necessary. Functional results in these two cases were acceptable.

CONCLUSIONS

Delayed ectopic transfer is a useful, yet demanding technique for the salvage of complicated replants in the context of severe wound infection and vascular thrombosis or impending failure. Given the complexity of the procedure it should only be considered in selected cases.