Successful total replantation of a forearm after 11 hours of warm ischaemia

Abstract

We present a case of a young female patient who underwent total replantation of an amputated forearm after 11 h of warm ischaemia. The immediate and long-term outcome of the procedure was totally satisfactory in terms of limb survival and satisfactory enough in terms of functionality. This outcome was due in part to the use of post-operative hyperbaric oxygen therapy, to minimize the effects of ischaemia-reperfusion injury. Considering that replantation of amputated limbs usually results in poor outcomes after 6 h of ischaemia, the present success represents a rare case.