In a remarkable medical procedure, surgeons at Shandong Provincial Hospital in Jinan, China, have successfully grafted a human ear onto a patient’s foot to preserve it for future reattachment. The patient, a woman known only by her surname, Sun, suffered severe injuries in a workplace accident involving heavy machinery that resulted in the loss of a significant portion of her scalp and her ear.
According to Qiu Shenqiang, the deputy director of the microsurgery unit, the traumatic injuries rendered the immediate reattachment of the ear unfeasible. The damage to her scalp and vascular network was extensive, and efforts to repair the injuries were complicated by the need for the skull to heal adequately before any potential reattachment could occur.
Innovative Surgical Approach
Faced with the challenge of preserving the ear for later reattachment, the surgical team opted for an innovative approach known as heterotopic grafting. This technique involves attaching a body part to a different location on the body. The decision to graft the ear to Sun’s foot was made due to the compatibility of the foot’s arteries and veins with those of the ear, as well as the similarity in skin and soft tissue thickness.
The initial grafting procedure took approximately ten hours. During this time, surgeons meticulously connected the complex network of delicate veins to ensure adequate blood supply to the ear. However, after five days, complications arose when the ear began to discolor due to insufficient blood flow. The team responded by performing manual bloodletting, a labor-intensive process that involved nearly 500 individual interventions to stabilize the ear.
Successful Outcome and Recovery
After successfully restoring blood flow, the surgical team was able to focus on healing the patient’s scalp and neck. Five months post-accident, Sun’s scalp had healed sufficiently, allowing the team to reattach the ear to its original position. The procedure was completed in October 2023, and Sun has since been discharged from the hospital. Reports indicate that she has largely recovered the function of her facial tissues.
This groundbreaking procedure not only demonstrates the capabilities of modern microsurgery but also highlights the innovative strategies that medical professionals are willing to employ in extreme situations. The successful preservation and eventual reattachment of the ear mark a significant achievement in the field of reconstructive surgery, providing hope for patients facing similar traumatic injuries.
