From in-situ suture to microvascular anastomosis / 中华显微外科杂志

ABSTRACT

In 1959, Douglas reported successful survival of in-situ suturing composite graft of completely amputated fingertips. In the early 1960s, Jacobson and Buncke respectively performed experimental microvascular anastomosis in vessel diameters of 1.4 mm and 0.8 mm, and achieved replantation of amputated finger in monkey. In 1962, Kleinert successfully replanted incompletely amputated thumbs through microvascular anastomoses. In 1965, Tamai achieved replantation of completely amputated thumbs using microsurgery techniques. In 1967, Chen Zhongwei published the first report in English on successful replantation of severed digits in 20 cases. In October 1972, O'Brien reported Chinese limb (digit) replantation techniques and experiences after his visit to China. In November 1972, an exchange meeting on replantation of amputated limb was held in Guangzhou, China, where a total of 398 complete severed digits of 260 patients, with 179 successful replantation(44.9%) were reported. In May 1973, a delegation of North American limb replantation surgeons visited China and later published a report about the visit. Since then the techniques and principles of limb (digit) replantation applied by the Chinese surgeons were recognised by international peers. In January 1974, a Chinese delegation of representatives in microsurgery led by Chen Zhongwei visited the United States and delivered a presentation as the pioneer of limb (digit) replantation. It further expanded the influence of Chinese limb (digit) replantation on the international community.