In a pioneering medical procedure, surgeons in China successfully grafted a woman’s severed ear onto her foot following a severe workplace accident. The patient, identified by her surname Sun, suffered significant injuries when heavy machinery caused extensive damage to her scalp and ear. According to Qiu Shenqiang, the deputy director of the microsurgery unit at Shandong Provincial Hospital in Jinan, the severity of her injuries rendered immediate reattachment of the ear impossible.
The incident left Sun with a large portion of her scalp and her ear completely torn off. The medical team faced a daunting challenge as the damaged vascular network required months to heal adequately. The scalp, neck, and face had sustained injuries that were described as “split into multiple fragments.” Given these circumstances, the surgeons opted for an innovative solution to preserve the ear until the scalp healed.
Radical Approach to Preservation
The team decided to perform a heterotopic graft, which involves attaching a body part to a different site to preserve it for later reattachment. The surgeons selected the foot for the grafting because the arteries and veins there are compatible with those in the ear. Additionally, the foot’s skin and soft tissue are similar in thickness to those of the head, making it a viable option for the procedure.
The initial grafting operation took approximately ten hours, during which the surgical team meticulously connected the intricate network of veins. Despite the careful planning, complications arose just five days later when the ear began to turn a purplish-black color. This discoloration indicated that the connecting veins were struggling to transport blood back to the heart, leading to a dangerous pooling of blood in the ear.
To address this issue, the medical team engaged in a labor-intensive process known as manual bloodletting. Over the course of five days, the surgeons conducted nearly 500 individual interventions to stabilize the ear, restoring its blood flow and preventing further damage.
Successful Reattachment After Healing
After the ear was stabilized, the surgical team gradually focused on restoring Sun’s scalp. Five months post-accident, her scalp and neck had healed sufficiently for the final reattachment of the ear. This crucial procedure took place in October 2023, marking a significant milestone in the field of reconstructive surgery.
Following the successful reattachment, Sun has been discharged from the hospital and is reported to have largely recovered her facial and tissue functions. This remarkable case not only showcases the advances in surgical techniques but also highlights the resilience of patients in the face of life-altering injuries.
The successful grafting of an ear onto a foot presents a unique chapter in medical history, underscoring the innovative approaches that can be taken in reconstructive surgery. As surgeons continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, this incident serves as a powerful example of human ingenuity and medical advancement.
