Vol 60, No 1-2 (2009)
Original article
Published online: 2009-12-17
Successful hand replantation in a seafarer after long-distance helicopter evacuation. A case report Hand amputation at sea (editorial comment by Eilif Dahl)
IMH 2009;60(1-2):14-17.
Abstract
After sustaining a clean-cut mid-carpal hand amputation on a tanker 120 miles north of Lanzarote, a 28-
-year-old seafarer was evacuated by helicopter to a microsurgical unit in Gran Canaria. The amputated
hand was cooled according to precise instructions. The 6-hour flight time included two refuelling stops
and transfer time. The hand had been revascularized thirteen hours after the accident and was still well
circulated at repatriation 3 weeks later.
Keywords: words: hand replantationseafarerevacuation
References
- Canals ML, Gómez F, Herrador J. Maritime health in Spain: integrated services are the key. Int Marit Health. 2001; 52(1-4): 104–116.
- Memoria Salvamento Maritimo, 2001-2008. In: www.salvamentomaritimo.es — actividades — informeAnual — estadisticas.
- Haagensen R, Sjøborg KA, Rossing A, et al. Long-range rescue helicopter missions in the Arctic. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2004; 19(2): 158–163.
- Freund KG. [Evacuation of patients from the North Sea]. Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen. 1989; 109(16): 1757–1758.
- Valentić D, Stojanović D, Mićović V, et al. Work related diseases and injuries on an oil rig. Int Marit Health. 2005; 56(1-4): 56–66.
- Vuksanovic P, Goethe H. Diseases and accidents among seamen--an international comparison of distribution of diagnoses. Bull Inst Marit Trop Med Gdynia. 1982; 33(1-2): 13–33.
- Roberts SE. Mortality from disease among seafarers in British merchant shipping (1976-1995). Int Marit Health. 2002; 53(1-4): 43–58.
- Inoue G, Nakamura R, Imamura T. Revascularization of digits after prolonged warm ischemia. J Reconstr Microsurg. 1988; 4(2): 131–138.
- Brunelli G, Vigasio A, Brunelli F. [Muscular elementarization in the "borderline" replantation and revascularization of the forearm]. Ann Chir Main. 1985; 4(4): 337–339.
- Buncke GM. Replantation and revascularization. . In: Hentz VR. ed. Mathes Plastic surgery: the hand and upper limb. Saunders Elsevier , Philadelphia, USA .
- Paavilainen P, Nietosvaara Y, Tikkinen KAO, et al. Long-term results of transmetacarpal replantation. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2007; 60(7): 704–709.
