Total ear replantation

Abstract

Since the first report of successful microsurgical ear replantation in 1980, there have been 12 other cases reported in the English literature. As the number of trained microsurgeons increases, the opportunity to treat the amputated ear with microsurgical techniques should become more common. The reported cases have involved a variety of different mechanisms of injury and methods of treatment. There have been three techniques used to revascularize the amputated ear successfully: primary vascular repair, vein grafting, and use of the superficial temporal vessels as a pedicled vascular leash. Through our own experience and a review of the literature, we have been able to identify certain clinical characteristics that help dictate which technique to use. We report four cases of successful ear replantation, review the various techniques that have been used successfully, and provide treatment recommendations for future consideration.