Salvage of ear replantation using the temporoparietal fascia flap

The authors report a case involving a 46-year-old man who sustained a traumatic amputation of approximately 60% of his ear from a human bite. The ear was replanted microsurgically without the benefit of venous anastomosis. Blood transfusion was not required despite the use of leech therapy and systemic anticoagulation. The replantation appeared to be a success at the time of his discharge from the hospital, but during the late postoperative period the replanted ear became progressively necrotic. The failing ear replantation was rescued successfully with the use of temporoparietal fascia flap reconstruction.