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J Reconstr Microsurg 1998; 14(5): 313-316
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1000183
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

© 1998 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Timing of Critical Thrombosis after Replantation Surgery of the Digits

Felipe Mesa Betancourt, Edward T. Mah, Steven J. McCabe
  • Division of Hand Surgery, University of Louisville, Christine M. Kleinert Institute for Hand and Micro Surgery, Louisville, Kentucky Dr. Betancourt is from the Hospital Pablo Tobon Uribe in Medellin, Colombia, and Dr. Mah from the Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University of Adelaide, Woodville, South Australia
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Publication History

Accepted for publication 1998

Publication Date:
08 March 2008 (online)

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ABSTRACT

The time at which critical thrombosis occurred was assessed in a group of 63 patients (76 digits) following replantation surgery. The influence of smoking and mechanism of injury were examined with respect to the risk of thrombosis. The highest risk of critical thrombosis after replantation occurred in the first 3 days after surgery, although some risk remained up to 2 weeks. The higher risk of late failure in smokers may represent the effects of a return to smoking after discharge. Mechanism of injury did not appear to affect the timing of critical thrombosis. This report should help surgeons plan the timing of discharge against the known ongoing risk of replantation failure. Strong advice against resumption of smoking seems to be appropriate.