Circulatory crisis in free toe-to-hand transfer and its management

Abstract

On the basis of our experience with 200 cases undergoing free toe transfer for reconstruction of the thumb and fingers, circulatory crisis during and after operation has been analysed in this paper with our classification according to the time of occurrence. In circulatory crisis during operation or within 24 h postoperatively early exploration is indicated. Crises occurring 24, especially 48 h after operation are mainly due to vascular spasm, therefore antispasmodic therapy should be instituted whereas surgical intervention is useless and even harmful.

Keywords

toe transfer / circulatory crisis / vascular spasm / thrombosis

References

[1] 1983, 21: 314–6.

[2] ListerGD. Reconstruction of the hand with free microneurovascular toe-to-hand transfer: Experience with 54 toe transfers. Plast Reconstr Surg, 1983, 71372-84