Indications, anaesthesia and postoperative protocol for replantation and revascularization in the hand in Nordic countries. (January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rönkkö, Henrikki; Neergård Sletten, Ida; Liv Hansen, Karina; Ryhänen, Jorma; Pietreanu, Mihai; Jokihaara, Jarkko
• Is Part Of: Journal of hand surgery. Volume 48:Number 1(2023)
• Page Start: 46
• Page End: 51
• Publication Date: 2023-01
• Subjects: Amputation -- replantation -- revascularization -- postoperative care -- rehabilitation; 617.575059
• DOI: 10.1177/17531934221123427
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1753-1934

Abstract

In this survey, we compared the current postoperative practices in the largest replantation units of four Nordic countries. The topics included were indication for surgery, anaesthesia, postoperative monitoring, use of antibiotics, anticoagulation and postoperative intravenous fluids, change of dressings, duration of bed rest and hospital stay, hand therapy and follow-up after discharge. Although there were many similarities between the units in the postoperative protocols, we found a large variety of practices. There is no robust evidence to assess or support or reject most of the strategies in postoperative care. The differences in practice warrant prospective studies in order to establish an evidence-based postoperative protocol for replantation surgery.