Replantation of a Distal Lower Leg in an Elderly Patient After Retrieval of the Limb from Seawater Immersion

바다에서 건진 절단된 하지 원위부의 재접합

A case of distal lower leg replantation, in an elderly patient, was successfully performed after retrieval of the amputated limb from 3 hours of immersion in seawater. Due to the patient's age, bony union was delayed and functional nerve recovery was unsatisfactory. After massive saline irrigation of the amputated part, employing a catheter through the main artery, as well as, prophylactic antibiotics to prevent infection by Aeromonas, there were no postoperative complications. Despite the issue of age, immersion of an amputated part into seawater is not a contraindication of replantation.