OBJECTIVE: To define how to preserve the severed limbs to prolong the period of replantation. METHODS: The original articles about preservation of severed limbs in recent years were reviewed, it was suggested that the period of replantation was determined by the injury of skeletal muscle. RESULTS: When the environment of severed limbs was changed, the injures of skeletal muscle could be decreased. CONCLUSION: After the severed limbs are reasonably preserved, the period of replantation may be prolonged.
Several techniques were used to improve 0.3～0.5 mm microvascular anastomosis. These included (1) non-isolation of adventitia, (2) modified two—point anastomosis, (3) clamping only the inflow in veins anastomosis, (4) atraumatic measurement of vascular patency, (5) post operative stimulation by electromagnetic fields, which accelerated the healing of the vessels. The chance of patency following anastomosis in experimental group was significantly much greater than that in the control one (plt;0.001). We have have also used these techniques in 11 patients with fingers replantion or smaller lymphatic anastomosis. All of the operations were successful.